Have to say I agree with Matt, give me a stick any day. Not for everyone, but if I have a choice I would rather drive a stick everyday, any day. Even in winter.
Maybe it because I like being part of the equation. Driving an auto is too much like being along for the ride, but when I do it all right with a manual trans, it just feels good and right. And I know for a fact that not everyone can do it right, so it just feels that much better that I can. Not saying I always do it right, but I sure enjoy it when I do. ;-)
Not knocking people that prefer auto's, just my opinion and preference.
Now, I do have an issue in that my wife greatly dislikes manuals, which means that if I want to build a car we can drive across the USA, either I have to plan to drive the whole way or think about an auto so we can switch off. Still haven't solved that dilemma.
Doesn't add anything to the conversation, just had to put in my 2 cents.
Now, options for an OD in a more "hands on" configuration aren't limited to a T56 or TKO either. I don't believe in the T5 for anything with any torque, but there is the option of an R154 or similar. Not a perfect trans, and you have to roll your own adapter if you want to keep your 130T flywheel or you are forced to run a truck 143T flywheel with the truck bell that makes it a bolt on. And you have to do some significant floor mods, but it's far cheaper than a T56 swap. If you already have a 4 speed car, the best bet might just be Jamie's A855. It's pricey but can be installed in a weekend and isn't much more than the 200R4 swap that has been kicked around.
If I didn't have a rare 4 speed car, I would have already cut the floor out of it for the R154 I bought for $400 used. Sometimes I wish I owned a 318 Duster instead. :-)