Project, advice?? Options

[Rook]

ok well i plan on starting my first ever project soon. Reason being is to have something quick and get good experience working on my car

I was planning on building a Honda since thats what my friends drive and know how to work on and its supposed to be pretty cheap...but i really like my Celica so i want to do something on it (i don't mind spending a few thousand. estimate on the Honda set up was like 2500..).

So...my question is...what kind of advice can i get? i'm doing the research on my ideas (even though i got way more to go). i want to build a 5sfe and drop it in but i've heard building them NA aren't the best...?? turbo seems pretty complicated too. i don't mind making it a long term project though...whatever gives me a fast car so it'll be worthwhile
Input appreciated