how many hours should it take for a rookie to swap out a 1.3L wiring harness for a "Trail Tough modified" 1.6L/8v harness? 

hour maybe 2

Cool... I successfully removed the  complete 1.6L wiring without any cuts or problems...but it looks like a hot mess.  I'm hoping when it comes back it's chopped and only requires running across the firewall and to the sensors. Will the wiring run underneath the dash and does the samurai dash need to be removed for it to be done right?  I was told I will splice 5 or so 1.6 wires into my 1.3 wires... i hope its as easy as it sounds...heh

you can do it if you know what each wire is if not send it to trail tough they will do the hard work for you for a good price i have done a 16v both ways i would pay to have it done

ha... I paid to have it done also... I sent the complete wiring (I'm sure they will cut a lot of it off) to them this AM.

This project turned from a "cold idle" problem to an engine, ECM, Wiring swap.... wow!

thanks for your help!

Yea, they can grow a bit if your not paying attention.