Manual trans or modern auto?

[Over2tonsoffun]

I am in the planning stage for my performance handling build on my 85 Crown vic. Along with the suspension research I am looking at transmission options. I am wondering what would be better. Doing a manual swap with a T-5 or so. It has been done. A little more work. or going with a more modern automatic 4w70e or so and doing paddle shift.
The engine will be a Ford V8 either a push rod or a modualer. I my do a complete chassis swap to a newer model panther 03-11 would love to do a 03-04 Mercury Marauder.
Thoughts ideas ect

Tim

[Zspoiler]

Depends on your "skills" and the way you like to drive. On my 1979 Z-28 RS Camaro was an Turbo 350 car , I had tried to find a 4 speed car in my search, But all those I looked at had been "abused" to put it lightly.So I found my present car.And with a combination of clutch linkage ,and pedals from the Chevrolet dealership. And the Muncie M-21 ,Bellhousing ,Flywheel Hurst shifter Etc from my 1973 Nova SS .I changed it easily .And have been happy with it ever since. And would do it again even with the newer 4 speed automatics.