w00t, my first post on the forums! whats poppin' y'all :-D

so... it's transmission time for my '95 SE. i f**ked my auto 'box up pretty badly when i spun out and landed transmission-first on a rock; the garage that appraised it is telling me i need a new transmission and a new front left strut (ran up on the rock sideways and apparently bent the strut when the wheel hit the rock), and possibly more.

first thing: screw replacing one strut when a full set of KYB GR-2s is $250 plus shipping -- which is nothing in the middle of what this is gonna cost me -- so i'm just replacing all 4.

next thing: i want a 5-speed swap. so here are my questions:

1. how much can i expect it to cost? i've been quoted $2500-$3000 for a completely rebuilt auto and the suspension work. if i can find someone to do a 5-speed swap, can i expect it to run me less? more? about the same?

2. does anyone know of any shops in the Philly, PA area that would do this work well?

comments and advice on other elements of my plan also appreciated.