I had inquired a couple of weeks ago about how and what to expect in this particular engine swap. Here is what we had experienced and learned. after a 2 month long search on CL I located an engine with 85k miles on it. An engine/tranny had been purchased by the owner for the tranny and the engine was left, it had set for about 3 years and had been listed for about a month, I inquired if it was still available and it was, so I snapped it up. The 95' engine was complete with no apparent leaks from the oil pan, seals, and valve cover. After pulling the engine I began removing the necessary components from the "old" block and after inspecting and cleaning then placed them onto the new block. I discovered that the exhaust manifold from the pulled engine was cracked down the center, consequently it was replaced with the one from the "new" engine. The water pump from the old engine was removed and placed onto the new engine, along with the distributor and associated electronics.We installed the "new" engine on Sunday and after a couple turns of the ignition it started right up, the following is what we discovered upon installation of the replacement engine.
1) The original engine developed a knock. We had installed the replacement engine in the vehicle and while attempting to reconnect the exhaust system the oil pan on the replacement engine had a wider sump than the original therefore we installed the 99' sump on the 95' engine. While the oil pan was being removed part of a piston and oil ring was discovered in the pan . The corresponding pickup tube was replaced as well.
2) I had read on a previoius post that the water temp gauge was located at the back of the block on the 95', this hole was plugged.
3) The engine had sat so long we decided to spray Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinders before firing it up in the event moisture had collected in the cylinders.
4) The throw out bearing was replaced while the engines were out.
5) We thought it was necessary to remove the skid plate/ cross member for proper transmission alignment for both removal and reinstallation of the engines.
6) The valve cover from the 99' engine needed installed onto the 95' engine for the mounting locations for the airbox.
The oil pressure is good rough estimate of about 50 lbs of pressure, the engine doesn't smoke, and no leaks of oil or coolant are apparent, the loose serpentine belt has been tightened, when the engine was first fired up one lifter was "clicking" after the 50 mile drive home the noise has ceased.
I am happy and thankful to those who assisted me and appreciate the members of this forum who have given me advice and wisdom on this swap, many thanks to all.
Now about that lift kit..........