qtband

My 95 SC1 has a blown head gasket. It still runs (very poorly) but besides the smoke, there is what I'm guessing is a rod knock....or is it? I have fairly good power in the upper RPM's and the knock goes away when I let up on the gas. I can get a 96 SOHC engine to replace it. My dilema: 1. Would it be better to replace the original engines head gasket? 2. Is the "knock" just a side result of the bad head gasket? 3. If I swap motors, is the only problem the sensor in the head that would have to be drilled out? 4. Finally, the 96 engine has a manual and the 95, an Auto. Will this pose a problem?
This is a lot, but I need help!

sierrap615

get the 96. knock is bad, very bad. worse case water got in the oil and the bearings are trashed.

swap all of the 95 sensors and modules to the 96 engine. yes, you will need to tap a new hole for the temp sender. the 96 will have no problem with the auto trans.