Come on Steve, Read man, his max is 6.5k.
As for the whole auto vs 5sp. If it is going to be a pure track car, I would go with an auto. But if you are DD the car with a few track days, then go with what makes you happy. Remember, there isn't ant legal 1/4 mile on the streets, take it to the track.
And that vid you posted, that sounded like just a set of Ford racing Hot rod cams, the e303 are the heads.
Your call though. I am looking to change my dads 5sp to auto.