Transmission/TC Options and cost

Long story short im at 167K and my torque converter is shot. I got a quote for 1650 to replace the TC, and 3800 to replace the entire transmission.
Since i know the steptronic wont last much longer im planning on swappinig the trans and TC at the same time.

1. Are these quotes within reason?

2. I want to swap in a 5/6 speed, but was told it would be $$$; would it be possible to do within a 3800 budget? (I dont have the skills/tools to do the swap myslef)

3.What route do people take when their Trans/TC get to this stage, as far as repair/replacement.
Thanks

I replaced my tc with a rebuilt revmax unit. It cost me 400 and labor was barely anything because my cousin is a mechanic so the labor you have to find out on your own. Anyway, my car had 89k miles when I switched it out. I switched it because my shifts weren't that great and I thought my transmission was going out but the biggest hint was the fact that it wouldn't lock up on the highway. I.e. I'd be pressing the pedal the same amount, even would use cruise control, but every few minutes the rpms would fluctuate a few hundred rpms even on flat ground.

Did some research and found out that yes, the fluid needs replaced as it is NOT lifetime. But the biggest culprit to the failing auto trannies is the input shaft seal on the tc. Basically this goes bad after a while and let's all kinds of crappy fluid throughout the tranny causing the sluggish shifts and eventually killing your auto. I now have 113k miles and my transmission feels brand new. I use sport mode all the time just because it is so fun. Hope this helps!

yes you should be able to get that work and parts done for that or less then your budget.