I'm considering buying a long block 1999-2000 engine, then doing a slow, fresh build on it, or buying an already remanufactured one. I don't want anything insane, just a fresh "new" motor for replacement when the current one is too tired to continue. I have no plans to turbo or supercharge my car. If it's possible to eke more power out of the engine during the rebuild, what should be done?

There are companies out there that sell "Remanufactured" Miata motors, some with warranties, but it's hard to find a review online of a recommended place to go.

There are a ton of companies out there which sell the rebuild kits, some of them more complete than others'.
http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?...1%20%201990-91 seems to be the go-to kit
Or I could piece it together using other resources.

Have you personally rebuilt an engine, and what are the things that will need to be done to get this done properly? Is most of this do-able by a somewhat adept home mechanic? What will need a professional's touch (deck planing, polishing, etc)?

Sorry for the "noob-ish" thread, but I know we don't have a thread for discussing things like this, yet. Any links to a proper how-to's would be awesome. I have a lot of research to do, and will be adding here anything that may be of use to the thread.

Obviously, step one will be buying a used motor.
and reading this:http://www.miata.net/garage/rebuild.html