Manual trans swaps: Cheapest vs Easiest vs Best Performing vs Best Driving Experience

It can be stupid expensive going to a manual trans.

My dart was a 3spd on the column, then I swapped to a 4spd overdrive, and it's now a close ratio 4spd. I had 3.55 gears with all of these trans'.

The 3spd isn't great for economy or performance.

The 4spd overdrive sucks for performance but can cruise on the hwy with ease.

The 4spd close ratio is great for performance and is a lot of fun, but hwy cruising isn't good.

I'd love a modern manual trans with close ratios and an overdrive, but that's way too expensive to justify.