What would be the better choice?

I have a 98 Civic HX and I have read around forums about it and it seems to have a really bad rep for its CVT tranny. I was wondering if I should just swap the transmission out or get a whole new engine+transmission? And if just swapping the transmission is more practical which transmission(s) fit on the current engine? Any help would be apprieciated.

The 5 speed manual is the only other trans that is a direct fit for the HX engine. Don't know about the auto, but I'd imagine it would fit, but the manual is a more practical choice, both for fuel economy & performance.

How much do you think that would take to get and install?
I'm about to head down to California for my uncle to make my suspension+rims OEM again because I bought it when it was pretty riced out