Kimmie, I will tell you absolute certainty that your #1 BEST OPTION as a beginner is to embrace the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) concept. If you want it to be special, I'd recommend an SR20DET swap. Prices may be shitty locally there- recommend you correspond with Rob at Zerolift and any number of other places... I didn't read the rest of the posts, but a DOHC KA might be prudent- at least for getting thru smog. I was born & raised in Cali and among other things, the STUPID FUCKING LAWS regarding 20+ yr old cars is one of the things that keeps me from moving back home.
Anyway,
Turn-key SR swap with Wiring Specialties upper/lower harnesses will be more fun than you could shake a stick at... and the best bang for the buck. However, before even doing any motor work, check the link I sent you- great ideas for prepping the shell and building it to last... and tedious but not incredibly expensive. GL!
Mike
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