this is true.
I think I might just get a similar engine, rebuild it, then put it in.
Just a question, if I wanted to drop an SR20DE in, is it true that i would need a new wiring harness and ECU among other things?
almost every time you drop a different than stock engine into your car, you need the wiring harness AND ECU (KLDE to KLZE in 2g MX6 being the only exception i know of, however the ECU still needs to be eprommed in order to get the change in performance).
the difference between GA16DE and SR20DE is that for the GA you only need engine, wiring harness, ECU, and throttle cable. your existing tranny and motor mounts bolt up. with the SR, you need custom mounts, an SR tranny, wiring harness, ECU, and whatever else could hiccup along the way. the GA is by FAR a simpler drop in. it's a standard engine swap, and most people who have never done anything aside from an oil change could do it with the right tools and proper direction. and if you had to pay someone, it wouldn't be so costly. maybe 10 hours of shop labour. SR20 will cost you $2000 for needed parts, and it'll cost 2-3000 to drop it in.