Found a low mileage 3.4 Firebird engine but it comes with an auto transmission. Should I pass or is the conversion to manual easy?
The ideal way of converting this is to get your hands on a flywheel, bell housing, clutch assembly and t5 from a 2.8/3.4 Camaro. The only downside of using the t5 from a 2.8/3.4 Firebird/Camaro is that the first gear is a stump puller (they had to be to move a much heavier car). If you can get your hands on a GM v8 t5 the first gear ratio is better suited for a light car like the MGB.
Steve DeGroat runs a 700r4, I'm not sure if his block was FWD or RWD but I think they are pretty similar. If it has the small corporate bellhousing it'll bolt right up but the starter may be on the other side.
JB
As far as I know all the RWD blocks had the starter mounting holes drilled on the passenger side of the engine. The FWD engins mounted the starter on the other side. Don't know about the automatic transmissions, but some manual Camaro and Firebird bell housings have clearance ears on both sides to accomodate either side starter.
I am asking about automatic -vs- manual, not FWD -vs- RWD. I have the opportunity to buy a camaro engine which is mated to an auto box.