Lots of interesting discussion, but the basic interest was due to a
simple enjoyment of the shift experience and not necessarily
durability. An Auto trans is great in city traffic which is the
mainstay of my driving. But, I do expect to travel on un-paved roads
- not exactly Syncro territory, but  definitely beyond a standard
car's capability. The Auto would probably be fine for these very
occasional excursions, but still lacks the satisfying feel of shifting.

I think the consensus is, yes a conversion is possible (no
infrastructure problems), but a bit difficult to do and probably
involves excessive $$$ unless one had a donor car to work from. Using
a donor and wanting to minimize NET cost, one could do a double
swap... and re-sell the donor to someone who is as set on driving an
Auto as I am on driving a Manual! Of course there is the cost of
labor which for me was much lower 20 years ago though I had plenty of
time to spare...

thanks again,
ron johnson