Transmission help

[SuperSport]

Hey guys,
I just picked up a 68 Nova and it happens to be the first manual trans car I have ever owned. It has a 3 speed with column shift and I must admit it is pretty fun to drive. The first order of business is getting the the shifter to the floor but, before I invest in a $200 shifter from Hurst I was wondering if I should move on to a 4 or 5 speed upgrade and then buy the appropriate shifter. The goal would be to upgrade but keep costs low as the car requires attention in other areas. Sadly, I am not one of the millionaires on Lateral G (lol). So, a budget upgrade is what I am inquiring about. Hopefully keeping the stock clutch, bell housing, and drive shaft to keep costs down. Do I have any options or should the functioning 3 speed stay?
I have absolutely no knowledge of manual transmission options so help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, SS.

[camcojb]

a four speed swap is very simple, as usually the only difference would be the shifter. Driveshaft length and yoke, crossmember, even the clutch can usually remain depending on your current trans and which 4 speed you pick. I prefer the five speed TKO or 6 speed T56 swaps for the overdrive, but the price difference is substantial over just swapping to a 4 speed. Maybe look around and see if you can find a good used Muncie 4 speed cheap from someone upgrading to a five or six speed.

[SuperSport]

Thanks for the response Jody.
The trans is a saginaw 3 speed attached to a 307. The gutless 307 seems to run decent so I'll enjoy the engine till It get replaced.
Is it safe to say that the Saginaw 4 speeds and Muncie 4 speeds are the same length and both can use the stock clutch and bell housing?