allroad transmision swap question

[George]

At 115,000 miles the torque converter in my '01 allroad is throwing the code
for the leaking seal, stuck solenoid. I am taking some remedial steps in the
hope of stalling a replacement. I am also considering that if a replacement
of the TQ is inevitable, why not swap in a manual tranny? 

Anybody BTDT?  And, what is the sage advice from the list? Availability of a
tranny? Costs (I won't do it myself)? Idiocy? Or will it return a car that
might be as fun to drive as my '91 200 Avant....??  And have a much longer
useful life.........

George Sidman