yeah, shops a pretty few and far between. Whats a reasonable labor charge?

the shop is looks like a pretty reputable one. they are a ditributor for major brands like HKS, GReddy, Apex'i, Bomex, Wings West, Ground Designs, DC Sports, etc. They do a ton of volkswagen engine swaps as well, and when I was there they just finished putting a type-r motor into civic dx hatch. its looked like a good job.

but the scene isn't very big in my area. before I heard of this place which is only like 20 minutes away, I was going to travel to 2 hours or so to some shops in NJ.

I think I could do the swap myself. the problem is the equipment and tools. I don't have airtool or anything like that. I also don't really have much experience with engine. I've been reading a ton lately and I think I could do it, but once again, no hand on experience.