Problems with 5-speed swap?

[SVX Maxximus]

I just had my auto transmission fluid flushed. I knew that my tranny was slipping a bit, and would get worse, so I have planned for a 5-speed manual swap when the time comes.... but according to my mechanic, the filter was full of iron shavings, so I believe that the day has come. I have found a reliable mechanic who is willing to commit to the project.
For those who have done the swap themselves or by their mechanic, aprox how many hours were racked up in the swap for your ride?
And, what problems have you run into either during the swap or after the swap?
I really want to make sure that I am getting myself into something that I will be able to drive, not a car that sits in the shop for tweaks and problem solving, making me wish I left it an auto, which in that case I'll do the ECUtune automatic tranny rebuild.
Thanks all!