There is always a first time for everything. Just think if you really want to get into fixing your car yourself, you just need to do you research and get the knowledge of what needs to be done. The first time I changed my timing belt and water pump there was alot of swearing and spanners flying around my garage plus I took my about three days to get it right. But in the long run it saved me $450 and now when I do it I have no worry's about it.

mberndt has a very valid point. Working on your car for the first time can be quite daunting. If you do decide to do it yourself get a haynes manual pay attention to what you are doing what you take of and where it goes. Also lay everything out in the order it comes off and put all you nuts and bolts in labelled bags.

Just trying to give you a bit of confidence in working on your car for the first time. You could always change the head gasket out and get your uncle to help you with the timing belt. That is about the hardest thing on the swap. By the way I am doing a LS/Vtec which i am starting tonight. I plan to take photo's and do a full right up of the entire process so look out for it should be quite helpful not full of hot air.

good luck let us know what your decide to do.