Engines, Purchasing Options

[mr_dude]

So I'm soon to pass the 200,000 mile mark. I have to think about the future.
Everyone talks about a 3SGTE swap and it sounds good, but the details elude me. I'm a few months from gradicating as an electrical engineer, so I can pick up car mechanics easy, but I don't have any background in it. (Just did the suspension with a friend's guidance and it was fun).
I'm sure there are some extensive how-to's, and those will be useful.
Question is, what are the options for getting a 3SGTE? Would I have to find one in some junkyard and have it cleaned up? Do companies still build them (as I've heard BMW does with their cars). Are there any alternatives even if I, say, wanted to throw more money at the project than the car is worth (which I do)?
If I do get one, what kind of experience should I be looking for for doing a good swap? Can I take auto mechanics at some community college (they don't have it at UCSD) and be proficient? Do I need to find a friend who works in an auto shop? Will somebody out there do it for a sixer of Newcastle?

People who answer questions rule.

[Green_MachToy]

I am looking at doing this myself down here in San Diego. I found that at ARD in Chula Vista you can get the engine for $1300. The best place to get the install done is at a place in Miramar called ABS (i think). I have a lot of questions still myself and am in a similar situation. I wanted to keep it SMOG legal but am finding that with the 3SGTE it won't be. Unless someone tells me otherwise, it seems you will have to have a SMOG shop in your back pocket. Someone also told me to go with the 4AGE because it will bolt up. I am still leaning towards the 3S. I found a guy to do the install for $700. Shoot me an e-mail and keep me posted on your progress. I would definately like to learn as much before going full throttle into this. Are you going to do anything else to it? I am going to do interior, paint, body kit, rims and tires, and suspension.