A855 - 5 Speed

Yes, I seriously did consider the OD.
In fact, jtkaaa07 had one, or was it two, with the shifter, and they were both cast iron.

It had the bellhousing on it, but it was for a small block. He had a friend with a big block bell for it that wasn't ready to let it go, iirc the bb bells actually came in trucks. I'm not sure how readily available the bb bells are, but I couldn't find another one.

I found 2 trans locally, within 4 hrs drive, both with shifters, one cast, one aluminum, both with sb bells, $500 and $900.

An OD and the associated parts, probable rebuild or at a minimum refresh, was beginning to balloon in $ and time.

I've also found concerns about the amount of power, hp or torque, both were referred to, that an OD can take. I didn't take this part very far, so I'm not convinced either way, but it's a 383 that's up there and the plan is to go a little more.

There is a company that sells the gear set to convert an A833 to OD, or a complete OD, however it's sold by you know who and made by you know the other who. In addition, there was the fbbo member who just got one, questioned a 2nd gear noise, and was told nothing to see here. I'm no expert, but that doesn't sound correct.