did I hear Brembo???? I have been quiety looking for a nice brake upgrade, with the power mine is putting out I am finding the stock brakes are just crap!
Back on topic.... It depends on what you want the car for? If you want it sporty then go for the manual. I am kind of the other way around, I bought the manual because I have always had them and now am thinking I would rather an auto as I only drive the car to and from work and just can be bothered with a manual anymore.
Decide where your heart is with manual and auto and then go from there, if you have to rebuld the auto at $5000 then it wont be any more to go manual I'm guessing.
As as I want an auto though, I love having a sporty drive in my manual!