bluAM2

Hi all. Just bought a 93 extended cab pickup with the 3.0 in it and just under 250k. I've been wanting one since before I could drive and finally found the right one. I drove it about 270 miles pulled out of a parking lot and that was it. White smoke white smoke. I took it to a local mechanic and he basically told me what I already knew: head gasket. And it would cost about $2000. I decided to go it on my own and it's gone well, but I have a few more questions for the veterans before I put it all back together. And they are as follows:

- I've taken the entire top half apart, had the heads redone, and am in the process of cleaning everything I've taken off (any recommendations on cleaners?). It looks like there has been some engine work at one point because I can see some cross-hatching on the cylinder walls. I've replaced the knock sensor wire, but not the knock sensor. I haven't taken off the oil pan to clean out the mess because of the pain it looks like it will cause (front diff, tie rods, etc). I was planning on flushing everything with some transmission fluid (mostly detergent anyway) and then changing the oil several times after I put it all back together to filter out anything I've missed. My question is: is there anything I should worry about on the block side of things besides head flatness?

- I'm trying as many things as possible to keep this from happening again to an old engine, until I have the money and means to throw a new powerplant in it all together. Here's what I've thrown at it so far:
- LC Engineering headers and studs
- K&N cold air intake
- ISR mod
- MLS head gaskets and studs
- OEM knock sensor wire replacement
- OEM plugs and wires
and I think that's it. Oh, new headlights too . I'm down to choosing the right oil and the right antifreeze (unless someone brings up something else I need to look at). Both are subjects I can't seem to come to an answer on. I've heard a thousand different recommendations for them both. I've heard good things about Royal Purple products, but I've been told that with an engine this old it's not going to make the difference I'm looking for. Also, I'm leaning toward the Toyota Red antifreeze. Any thoughts?

I'm about at the end of my budget, but I try to find the BEST to avoid nickel and diming myself to death. Any advice is welcome to this eager newbie. Thanks in advance to all.

- Jake