You'll need a MVB unit (fairly easy to swap with the standard VB). Shifter linkage is straight forward with aftermarket shifters, though it can take some fine linkage adjustments to get it shifting just right. I find it helps to have someone in the car moving the shifter through the gears while I eyeball and adjust from underneath. I haven't tried to retro a OEM column shifter to a mvb, but guessing someone her has done it.
Be well and enjoy that project,
Pat
