I get you, Jon. The bottom line for me is, if one decides to go away from stock, it is a no brainer to go with a T-5. There will be no regrets. You bring up a good point about down shifting out of overdrive, especially with a 3.08 rear end, to keep the RPM in the optimal range for these virtually old tractor engines.

1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission