transmissions choices

[usarmyoif3]

ok i have a 71 stepside that i have torn down i cant make up my mind on transmission choice i plan on driving it only in the summer when its nice out. i plan on a 355 with 400 to 500 hp if i dont run out of money but i cant make up my mind on the transmission i already have two th350's i could rebuild i like the idea of doing that with a shift kit and stall and a ratchet shifter but i also really want a tremic tko 500 5 speed but i have heard they are around 1700 bucks for just the trans what other opinions do i have i really want a manual but what ever i get it has to be strong cause i like to drive them hard has anyone put a muncie 4 speed in one of these trucks where does the shifter come up at i can get one of them cheap but i dont know how well they would hold up to hard driving behind a 450 hp or so 355. what would you guys think would be the best way to go.