Can I chip my car?!?!?! Just kidding !

I would like some input if possible.
I have a 97 2.2L and I'm eventually going to rebuild for performance or get a junk yard replacement to rebuild. Would I be better off switching to an 98+ motor? From what I can tell the performance parts for the 2.2's are hard to come by as it is let alone a 97 block.

I've looked into other motor swaps and I want to keep it retard proof as possible so I don't screw anything up...

I read a thread awhile back that had pictures of switching transmissions from auto to manual I believe the mounts had to be modified to fit.
If doing a trans/motor combo swap can be done easily I wouldn't mind doing that seeing its just the 3 speed auto.

Thanks!

-McMurrin