As mentioned, a T5 from a 1983-1993 S10 truck might be a good choice depending on what kind of driving you want to do. It’s a light to medium duty trans and rated for 250HP and 300lb-ft of torque if it’s in good shape.
My website has a ton of info, but rather than overwhelm you with all that, I’ll start with the basics.
Ford Mustangs had T5s but they tend to be higher priced and the shifter is too far back for a bench seat. Plus the Mustang versions have the wrong bolt pattern for a Chevy bell.
Camaros and Firebirds had T5s. The shifter sits too far back for a bench seat.
The S10 versions are the most popular because the shifter comes through the floor in the right place for a bench seat.
1983-1993 S10 T5s have a Muncie bolt pattern for the case and can be made to bolt directly to a Muncie pattern bell.
The 1983-88 S10 T5s usually have a cable speedometer connection. The 1989-93 versions have a VSS speedo connection. The good news is that aftermarket cable speedo S10 tail housings are available for about $260. The swap is not difficult.
The S10 T5s usually have a 0.72 or 0.86 OD gear. The 0.72 is more popular with decent HP. If you have a six banger then the 0.86 will be a good choice too.
The 1983-1993 S10 T5 installation is pretty straight forward in the 1948-1987 trucks.
Here are some links to videos and web pages that I made to help folks.
The first 2 videos are the most informative.
VIDEOSHere’s a page from my website showing the installation in my 1965 C10. Notice that all of my mechanical clutch linkage stayed original.
T5 installation details
