Im pretty decent with DSMs just started really...June of 2005. I know a good amount about them, there are quite a few people in your area that Im sure are very willing to help a fellow DSMer. Check out
www.fycracing.com all NE people not just DSMs either. best thing you could do is just spend time with your DSM and get to know the engine, and what not.
EDIT*** Oh yeah if you wanna talk DSMs shoot me an IM on AIM, my SN is on all the time, same as my name on here. Oh yeah and dont worry too much about crankwalk...its rarely ever seen in 2Gs that arnt modded like hell, mostly high HP 7bolts are the ones to crankwalk on you...and a fix for this is to do a 6bolt swap. Most people that want high HP or no chance of crank walk do this. Oh yeah and if I were you I would have pushed the car with the owner in it, just to make sure it didnt over heat or, any lights like the check engine light come on. Have fun with you DSM hope you treat her well, cause she'll treat you well.