You can pickup the h22a engine for very cheap... if you are going to go b18.. you might as well go b18c7 and that's a little bit just more than your budget.. If I was you, I'd go straight for the h22a.. im pretty sure you can source most of the parts from around the forums anyway, just might take a bit of time.

The engine is, much, much cheaper though. My mate just picked up a vtec h22a for $2450... just have to look around... the torque is nice =]...

Personally, I prefer b series.