gary, i just joined this site today so i'm gonna put my 2 cents to use here. i feel you on wanting a stick in your van,verrrrrry cool. with that said the t-5 in all it's glory is only good to 300 or so ft lbs. of tork.[ford world class v-8]. there are many places to get parts or complete t-5"s that can handle big tork[over 600lbs].you can try tony at [of all places] astro transmission wherehouse, he"s a good guy that i"ve dealt with. good luck,nickyb.