Doing the same with a 283, but had the aluminum PG. Bought the ShiftWorks conversion kit to keep the original console shifter for use with a cable hookup. Its slick. Everything bolts right up. Might have to do a mod on the trans crossmember. Weather turned cold so don't have it all in yet.
DO have a question tho. The kickdown rod sticking out of a hole in the trans case hangs out about 3/4". This prevents the kickdown cable from seating against the case and sealing the hole. Why? Naw, Streets, that aint in the book.