I have a 1968 350 coupe that had the original 2 speed auto trans switched for a 3 speed auto transmission before I bought it. Since I know it won't take away from the value I'm thinking of switching out the auto transmission for a 4 speed manual.
I have a shop that told me they can do it for $3000.00.
Two questions....is that price about right?
and
What should I tell the to put in as far as a fast with low end power transmission?

What trans are they selling you?
Price would be in the ballpark with a new transmission,labor and parts providing they are replacing the clutch disk and pressure plate.
If you shop around you can find a good muncie 4 speed for around $400-$600.

Bigchief,they will put in the trans I ask for, that's why I'm asking here for ideas on what I should tell them to put in.

Hey Tony, sounds like a winner to me, but this is the set up I would want. http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/5_speed.html

It's alot of work and alot of parts to gather. I would be surprised if you actually could deliver the car somewhere with an auto and pick it up with a 4sp done for $3K, no extra cost involved unless they just happened to have the parts already sitting around gathering dust. Check the side of your block, I'm not sure if all blocks were drilled for the linkage pivot.

I'm sure it would be more for them to put in the 5-speed but in the long run it would be worth it. The complete kits usually go for aroung 3,200.00 or so. Spend the money once and be happy with it.
If you are mechanically inclined the swap isn't too hard to do in your own shop (or garage). I would imagine that it has even been done in the driveway a few times.
Another option is to do what I did and put in a t-5 out of a third gen. If your plan is to smoke the tires and do any speed shifting then this option will result in equipment failure, but if what you want is a fun highway cruiser you could get many years out of a t-5 and they can be found for $300-$500. Mine has been in for over 5 years with no problems, also behind a stock 350.
Whatever your choice, good luck.

Thanks all for the tips and advice.
Glider, that TKO 500 looks very nice but a bit out of the price range for the shop to stay within the $3000.00 price he gave me.
Firebob, I have no reason to think he wouldn't stand by his price, he has everytime in the past. But after reading your post I got to thinking,... he did say "We could take out you trans and put in a 4 speed"... he never said new or used. I know now I'll have to go over that with him before I go ahead with the switch.
Hank350, I don't want to " smoke the tires" but I wouldn't mind a little squeal and a chirp now and then.

You should find out what 4 speed they would be putting in (Muncie,T-10,Saginaw) and what condition it is in.

Other things to consider are if you are going to run with a console or not. Auto and 4sp are different and the manual ones are uber expensive. As I said, if your block is not drilled for the clutch pivot you you can't do it unless you go to a hyd clutch or engine swap. Just a correct first gen shifter usually goes in the $300 range, used. The trans mount is different and I believe the drive shaft is a different length as well so that would need to be adjusted. Maybe even have to source a different front yoke. It's alot of work. If he says he can do it for that, ok but, I'm skeptical. I don't have anyway to know,maybe he parted out a 4sp car and has everything sitting on the floor. I don't know about prices in Ohio but you couldn't get that deal in Cali.

Firebob If we are talking about the same "console " I take it you are talking about of the floor between the seats, I don't have one, my bird came with a split bench seat.
Here is a video....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f2S8Q6N-Ec

I know I'll need a new steering column as well. I see those are going for about $450.00.

Nice looking car, dude. Yup fogot about the st column. Console not a problem. I'm not sure if the bench seat 4sp cars had a little cutout area in the center for the shifter or not. Maybe it curved over the top of the seat bottom. I'd do a search and see if you can find a pic of a bench seat car with a 4sp.

Thanks Firebob.