Just bought a car and so far have had to finish attaching the rear motor mount and many other things. But the one thing that gets me is that 5th gear pops out and there's quite alot ove movement in the stick when I have to hold it in 5th. 3rd has a small grind to it if you try to sift too fast.

Any ideas?

My tranny did the same thing. first it was 5th gear, then it was 3rd gear, then all my syncros went to hell. I had to get a whole new tranny. Turns out all my syncros were gone and I seized 3rd gear. From my experience, I'd start looking for a new tranny.

I'm fairly quick with a wrench and have a little help when I need it. What's involved in swapping the tranny's? and how much time should it take?

well...if you get the 5speed from a 2gnt or one from an avenger I4 it's just a straight bolt up, really nothing major. As far as the time goes, mine was dropped in at my buddy's shop so it took like a week. if you do it yourself it won't take that long.