Have a lead on a locally available transmission. unfortunately, it's in roughly the same shape as mine - rough

I'm considering now having the fellows at the local race/machine shop work it up for me. They did a nice job on one for my Mazda Turbo, replacing just what was needed, synchros, seals, frankensteined it with a junk unit I had, so I trust them, and that's saying a lot; I trust very few people with my vehicles.

if I can get the used transmission relatively cheaply, and the shop guys can check it over for me and let me know what I need and it's not too bad, I'll just have it done there. worst case, providing the junk transmission's good enough, I'll pick up the rebuild kit from Marlin for $365. if I can get relatively reasonable labor to rebuild it (bearings, seals, synchros), I figure that's a good deal, and I get to skirt the shipping cost and core hassle.


the Marlin unit is going to be around $1465 w/core and roundtrip shipping, and then I have to wonder if my core's good enough for core refund. not to mention, that doesn't even include the new clutch kit I'll need.


of course, the rebuild kit doesn't include a shift fork, clips & such if necessary; the rebuilt transmission from Marlin does include those items, as well as new heavy duty shift seat and shifter socket. apparently the forks see a good bit of wear, as well, so...

I guess as long as I don't need to start buying gears and such...

thoughts, recommendations?