Here is some food for thought what about using a Mopar A-833 New Process. Its a 4speed manual with over drive. Those were used in the mid seventies, Plymouths Feather Duster as well as assorted Dodge products and many Chevy vans used them. The aluminum-case had the 4th gear being over drive of 0.73 to 1. If you find one that's cast iron 4th gear will be 1:1 high gear. The muscle cars used the cast iron ones. At least the aluminum one has the overdrive so if you have a 3.90:1 rear end you can cruise at 60 mph at 2146 RPM and still have lots of torque off the line. I read this in a book called The Classic Chevy Truck Handbook by Jim Richardson. I have no practical experience with this tranny, plus I have a T5 already or I might have gone that A-833 route.
I do not know what the T5 can handle as far as popping the clutch. I know my brother I believe in 1986 had an IROC-Z Camaro and when he was foolish enough to lend me his car the tranny held up well. I think it was a t5 but not for sure. In my 235 I do not plan on ripping it too hard. just my .02
"As I lay rubber down the street, I pray for traction I can keep, but if I spin and begin to slide, please dear God protect my sweet ride." -Amen
56 Chevy 3100 
