99 Max Swap Advice
 

I want to start saving up to swap and have an idea of what the setup would be and so I can know how much to set aside, more engines have come out more people have toyed with the idea of swapping but I didn't know if a vq35de and maybe HR pistons? is still the best setup available bc from what I've read the l32 and hr engines aren't an option on the 4th gen but that was only as of 5years ago i didn't know if anyone had pioneered a way

Also, if I should plan on trying to tackle this myself or set aside the money for someone with more experience to do. For experience I've done headers/y/nwp spacers/valve covers/coilovers and a lot of small maintenance along the way. In middleschool I JTAG'd and RGH'd Xbox 360's so I have tons of soldering experience if that would come in handy, and I've always self taught with the help of the omniscient internet.

All the work I've done so far I did without the help of air tools, which I've found are pretty useful when you do a lot of work on a car and I would be investing in for this. Would also need to invest in a hoist

Any advice and input are appreciated

You're not going to want to hear this, but I say don't waste your time. Throw on a street legal supercharger kit and see an instant 100hp gain. Much easier, more efficient, no fancy tools/hoists, no down time, and I bet will cost only an additional $500 compared to a 3.5 swap. Once you go boost, you never go back.