engine swap? worth it or not?

[infurNOS]

Unlucky dude...

Now a days you can get a half cut for probably $3k + $1k for installation. Since you dont have a lot of cash as you mention, you could source another B18b motor for dirt cheap, as they are not very sought after, which would be a straight swap, without having to worry about the issues of engine swaps, minimising your time without a car.

If you were going to do a swap, a half cut is the way to go because you get everything you need, and they are:

Motor, box, engine loom, driveshafts, brakes, ECU, shift linkages.