I ran a B&M shift kit and stall for a few years with no problem what so ever, it also made the tires break loose in 2nd for the first time. I was happy with the changes. The 1-D-1 shifting is a risky habit to get, it may work fine for a couple years or it may break your transmission the 3rd time to try it, you take your chances. I had a transgo installed once, car ran like pure crap afterwards... it may have been installed wrong but the B&M went back in.
The lentech valve body is $350 and is absolutely wonderful, it works great with the $700 PI Stallion convertor and lentech is
very knowledgable and helpful. Then you are going to want a solid input shaft, $195, and a tranny cooler, $50. Then possibly a wide ratio kit(maybe) ,$550. Then you are in the ballpark of a t-5 switch, $1000. I'd say a t-5 switch would be the way I'd go for a daily driver until I saw a 100hp nos shot was to be added... you can run nos with a manual fine until you miss a gear. Then you run a chance at blowing the motor. I hope this helps in making your decision and yes, I've been exactly were you are.. (get the t5
)
Rick