I like the tune idea. Where does one get that at? As for the dealership downloading from Tech 2? That only cost me 62.50 USD the last time I had that doen for my alarm and RKE? But it sounds like the best option for the 5 speed swap?

 

there's a way to wire into the harness for the gear selector for the auto transmission - uses i think 3 relays... I made myself a diagram on how to do it i'll see if i can find it or re-do it

basically when you clutch it tells the comp you're in neutral (for starting) and reverse switch on the 5 speed tells the comp reverse (for the lights) and clutch out, not in reverse it tells the comp you're in 'Drive' so there's no rev limiter (user takes care when not actually in gear about revving it)

Let me know if there's interest and I'll exert myself to do a mini write-up on the concept

 

Would this be the same case with a 97 S10

 

You should probably start a new post. This one is pretty old. And your question isn't very clear, since the OP is about a '97.