OK, I decided on a new 3.0 instead of a 3.4 swap. I know the 3.4 is a better engine, but the 3.0 does what I need it to do so I cant see spending 2k extra.
I ordered the engine from orient engine and I also ordered Thorley headers and a Jardine Cat back. I just need some input on everything I need to replace or do while the engine is out.

Here is my list So far:
headers
belts
rear heater hoses
vacum lines
plugs/wires
cap/rotor
clean injectors
oil pump/water pump included with engine

Please any input would be great. Except "you should do a 3.4 swap"

also suggestions on a hi-flow cat

 

you should do a 3.4 swap





hahahaha sorry had to

 

ok thats one

 

Your list looks good to me, headers are a big one because its a lot easier with the engine out. You might consider some harder to get to seals (such as oil pan gasket, something like that).

I'd say you're, GTG.

For a hi-flow cat, Catco 2.5" is fine, they have them at Summit Racing. They're pretty cheap too, like $60.

 

I also did the following on mine recently:

Motor Mounts (3) (They tend to sag after 15 years)
Knock Sensor & Wire (Prone to failure, easy replacement with plenum off)
Oil Cooler (Required under Jasper warranty)
Valve Covers (Recommended by Jasper, near impossible to clean)
Fan Pulley Bracket (Really expensive, my bearing didn't sound good)
Vacum/Water pipe assembly that bolts to front of plenum and wraps under right side (vacum lines tend to get clogged with corrosion)
New starter (It had been sitting in my garage for several years)
Alternator tune up & cleaning
Power steering pump O-ring replacement (cured the leak)
Clutch, pressure plate, TO bearing, flywheel (I had issues.)

Consider having your local muffler shop do an exhaust for you. I had a Jardine cat-back for several years. I wasn't happy with the slip fit, clamp together design. It was prone to leaking and corrosion at the joints. It didn't last like I expected it to. I have an exhaust now that bolts to the headers and is one piece to the tail pipe. It's 2 1/4" to the cat and 2 1/2" from the cat back. I have a magnaflow cat that works fine.

 

What do you guys think about an after market ignition

 

I'd agree with having a muffler shop do the install to match up with your headers. Aso, take a close look at where the headers will be running and put as much distance between the pipes and all other components. Shield with asbestos the areas you can't avoid running near the pipes. The design is different on the Thorley's than it is on the Downeys I have on mine, but there are bound to be wires, lines, and components where the headers run near. Protect these in some way.

Ed

 

You may want to look into opening up the airbox some. The stock airbox has a small opening and draws air from a tiny closed in space behind the headlight.

 

Well don't forget the knock Sensor and the wire to it, it is alway good to replace the wire if you have'nt done that, yeah np..

 

i had a 3.0 it was ok but the 3.4 stomp all over it

 

Just helped a friend install an engine from OregonEngines.com. It was a longblock, so we installed the oil pan, valve covers, timing belt, etc with all new parts. We installed a centerforce clutch kit as well. We opted to replace the crappy exhaust system with downey headers, magnaflow cat and a flowmaster muffler. It has stupid clamp type joints but we are taking it in to get it welded. We also replaced the starter, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, pcv valve and hose, knock sensor and wire, air and fuel filters and installed a remote mount oil filter. We also sent out the fuel injectors to get them cleaned and rebuilt, the cold start injector as well. Take your time putting it all together and you wont regret the 3.slow!!