CRX prices are a little too high for me right now, barely running $4000-6000. I could buy a shell for about $500-1k and drop an engine it though, either K D or B

The problem is- I've never done an engine swap before, the hardest thing I did was a transmission rebuild/final drive swap/camshafts. I have every tool needed (airtools, breaker bars, torch) + time (except an engine hoist).

Any recommendations on what I should do? I FEEL like I could do it, but the transmission rebuild I did took a week and there were so many parts to it

 

If your budget is tight, source a Si shell since it would be a manual from the get go along with chassis wiring for a better engine to be dropped in vs using a dx shell that has dual port injection. To keep things super simple, A (D) series obd0 with matching ecu for the engine/manual tranny along with using the engine harness that matches the chassis, is a simple bolt in affair. Can be done in a couple hours. Even a (B) series of the same gen, say from a 90-91 integra, is the same ordeal except the need of the aftermarket engine mounts, shift linkage and 90-93 integra axles that would be required.
If you sourced a obd1 D or B series, above said would apply except if it is a v-tec engine would only require minor wiring changes and added wires to run v-tec which can be simply done using a obd0 to obd1 ecu jumper, possibly a couple other minor wiring changes for the distributor and injectors if using obd1 style. Could also use obd0 injectors just so you don't have to remove the resistor box.
I'm pretty sure that's all to be easy peasy..
K series would be out of the question as for difficulty and cost vs a B or D swap.

 

There's so much info out there on engine swaps. It's not difficult as long as you have the right tools for the job.