Suggestions/help wanted

My 92LS-L transmission just died. I hauled the car to Aamco and they took it apart and said it was gone. They can get a rebuilt for $3400 or put one in that I bring them.

So I see a few options. I could buy a rebuilt from Phoenix Parts for around $1800. There are also several used ones around from $500. I would love to do the five speed conversion but dont have the time or a good location to do it.

I am looking for comments and suggestions as well as any info that should be done at this time like is it worth changing the gear ratio since I am putting in a different tranny. Any helpful thoughs are appreciated.