GeneralDisorder- Thanks much, thats what I need to know. I see you're in Portland (good to know). I'm in seattle halfway between SSI & SJRLift.com.
I had some mig and tig experience long ago, I don't have any equipment now. I can work through electrical w/ a diagram and a multimeter, but i'm definitely a beginner and not setup for a swap that requires major fabrication. I think I could handle motor mounts, maybe a few more brackets or mounts and thats about it. If I understand you right, the EJ trans is out of the picture for me, but an EA2EJ swap can be done with the right equipment. Scott @ SJRLift.com offers an adapter plate, flywheel and for a fee will thin down an EJ Harness for operation in an EA original vehicle. This EA2EJ manual from Numbchux also seems useful (though the kit makes a lot of it unnecessary). https://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/mroseusa/EA2EJ.pdf
Do you think EA2EJ swap kit and the manual would cover most of the parts and some of knowledge needed to make a swap close to "bolt on"?
thanks again.