I have an auto and ahve debated the auto-to-manual swap for a long time, with parts and labor, most performance shops can do it for around $2500, but, like stated earlier, when you go to sale your vehicle your vin number and carfax isn't going to match up to your new tranny. I have seen some very clean conversions, and couldn't ever tell it wasn't a manul lfrom birth. But, I decided to just go with a Level Ten torque converter, which gives you a higher stall, and also provides some quicker and smoother shifts. There are other companies that provide services for Automatics to "beef" up the tranny such as JMO and different rebuild kits can be purchased to make the tranny virtually bulletproof, but I would say if you have the option to purchase a manul to begin with, it would be all the more easier and more beneficial especially when you start adding mods. The factory automatic just can't handle large amounts of torque, and the factory 5 speed will take alot more abuse, just watch your clutch and you should be fine.