Hello friend, If you drive in town mostly and or drag race, I would stick with the automatic. As far as sound goes you are going to have to get an aftermarket exaust system, like the MONZA EXAUST brand system from VICTORIA BRITISH LTD. 149.95 U.S. order number is 1-800-255-0088. Not sure if that telephone number works outside of the U.S., but you should be able to find MONZA EXAUST through any auto parts hi performance catalogs. To prevent rust I cannot tell you anything to help but you may keep the car garaged or build a carport or overhang of some sort and use some undercoating. Good luck!!! ------------------ Here he comes, here comes speed racer he's a demon on wheels!!!!!