i can tell you that a DSM is a car that will turn you into a mechanic over a period of time, its one of the cars that will teach you how to work on cars. i never took any auto classes or anything, got my dsm in 99 and it all started with replacing an axle, then replacing the locked up turbo.. i was hooked. now i'm working on everyone elses shit.
however i'm not sure that pulling the engine was the best solution to troubleshoot a "no start"