I am currently building a 3.4 DOHC to put in my '88 Formula V6. What other transmissions will work in place of my 5 speed Getrag? Will the manual transmissions in w-bodies work? Would the w-body transmission fit in a fiero?
Part of the reason why I am interested is because I live in California and the BAR guy I talked to the other day says they consider the transmission to be part of the emissions system and that they will probably require me to sue the transmission from the donor car.

The MG2, MU1 and MY5 5 speeds used behind pushrod V6's are all mostly interchangeable. The M27 5 speed used behind the DOHC engine is rare and not a bolt in swap, although it has been done. It would probably be easiest to mount it to the cradle from an '88 automatic car, because of the way it mounts.

Did your car originally come with an automatic?
There are other people on this board who have more experience with Kalifornia law than I.

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'87 Fiero GT: Northstar, Getrag, TGP wheels, rear sway bar, rod end links, bushings, etc.

'90 Pontiac 6000 SE AWD: Leaking ABS unit fixed, load levelling rear suspension fixed, still slow

My vehicle is an '88 formula V6 with the Getrag five speed. The Getrag is original.
Of the transmissions you mention, how do they compare to the Getrag in terms of strength? What cars do they come in?

MG2 is the V6 5 speed that was used in almost all GM FWD V6's (i.e. the transmission you have now)

MY5 and MU1 are versions of this trans that had different ratios. They were used in a few oldsmobiles.

The other differences include VSS type and clutch throw out mechanism, but other than these minor items, they're all interchangeable.

What year was your TDC engine made? Depending on the year, Kalifornia may not allow you to use a manual trans.

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'87 Fiero GT: Northstar, Getrag, TGP wheels, rear sway bar, rod end links, bushings, etc.
'90 Pontiac 6000 SE AWD: Leaking ABS unit fixed, load levelling rear suspension fixed, still slow

my TDC is a '92. I understand that a manual transmission was available in the Lumina z34 that year.

You'r set, then. Just need a manual trans chip.

Just use a reguler V6 5 speed with your engine. You'll need the neutral balance flywheel from an aluminum head 2.8/3.1 (87 or later in everything but the Fiero, 88 flywheel in the Fiero), and a decent clutch to handle the power.

The TDC computer is looking for a hall effect VSS, so you'll want one with a hall effect VSS to maximize compatibility.
The throw out mechanism changed from external throw out arm to internal throw out arm to hydraulic release bearing, so pick your poisong there.