[LouieAWDTSi]

Its all up to you. I mean do you already have a newer timing belt or head gasket on now? Do you plan to do them during the course of the time you keep the car? Do you plan to keep this car for long or are you going to want to sell for something else soon or trade for a turbo'd car? These are things you should think about. I mean getting the engine out and getting to the shop might be a b*tch without experience or the right equipment. If you do it...make sure you mark or examine your timing belt to make sure he does change that and the other stuff. You don't wanna get screwed either. Think it over, will it just be easier and senseable(sp?) to pay $250 and have it done? Its all about how you feel and think about the ?'s I asked you. I'd keep the the 5sp if I was you even though I have an auto myself. Whatever you prefer but switching tranny's means spending more cash. Good luck, hope w/e you do works out for ya.