Daonhathai

I'd change the spark plugs and fluids with brand new, not sure why you would cheap out on those since they're maintenance items anyways.

parenta3

Well I was going to let my mechanic do it, and it didn't seem like he was going to do that stuff. But I decided to do it myself

waspjr

I am not up to speed on this engine but do what ypu can while you have the chance and its easy. Plugs thermostat have a look at your coolant hoses and evap lines. Even the vavle cover gaskets this stuff is cheap to do it now compared to putting it in and paying a mech hours labour to when it fails 500k after install. Look at things like the water pump and possibly the pilot bearing on the transmision. I mean if your driving it into the ground just giver but if you want 50 or 100 more k then listen to the guys on here.
Anyways sorry about your luck with the motor but all the best and i hope i helped you out.

veedubb

I concur with other posters. Since the engine / trans is removed, it's the best time to replace items that are hard to get to. Things like maybe the timing belt/water pump, hoses at the rear of the engine, hoses, and plastic coolant fittings on the engine block. These fittings are notorious for getting brittle with age.