On summer mix I get up to 30 mpg (93 octane of course) I have a ssb 6 spd, I love the looks all around and the hood is distinctive chrysler over a smooth. This mb 6 spd can be good if you learn how to drive it.
You need to be a little more agressive shifting gear to gear then other manuals.
Glad to hear a proud owner, post some pics.
The easiest v8 swap is a mb v8.