Get that engine started...and run it...don't let them start it say good and pull it. Let it get good and warmed up. You want it to be full temp. Then give it a few revs to hear any noises.

I may have been premature in my assessment of the motor. I started it up again on Tuesday morning and it sounded much better, so I went ahead and fixed my heater tube leak (I killed an o-ring trying to re-use it) and then drove the car to work and back (~75 miles) yesterday with no major issues.

This morning, after re-reading the replies, I fired it up again and listened closely from the driver'* seat. I think there is a bit of bottom-end rumble when it first starts, then it goes away. I'll check again when I have the opportunity to have my ear in the engine compartment at start-up.

Otherwise, I'm tickled pink with the car! Sure, there are some issues, but hey, it'* twelve years old. It gives me the opportunity to research more older posts on things like A/C, Brakes and check engine lights...

Bottom line: I'll probably drive it as-is and let the yard off the hook. By the time this motor croaks I'll know if I'm in love of if it is just infatuation.

Bottom end noise on start up? Hmmm

Be worried about bottom end noise after full operating temp. If you don't have that..then you probably have a good motor.

I visited the junkyard yesterday with the car. The 'boss' was real nice, said the warranty was still good - didn't even want to listen to the motor or look when I offered. He said he should have another one sometime this week that is better... 100K roughly or less, no knocks and normal oil pressure. I'll plan to see it run!

Thanks for the help... I really didn't want to have to swap again, but that is how it goes sometimes.

If he doesn't want the 'bad' one back, I'll try throwing in a $25 set of rod bearings before I pull it out... maybe I can milk it that way. Otherwise, it'* switcherooni again.

Oh, I did find an easy way of getting that backwards bell housing bolt in! It was much easier than taking it out. Simply put, I laid about 18" of extension with the 18mm socket on top of the "L" bracket (drive end) with the socket over the bolt, and the bolt end through the engine and flush with the bell housing mating surface. It stayed perfectly still while I dropped in the motor, and tightened up the other bell housing bolts. The second time out should be easier, too.