[sbiddle]

I've had two 4 cyl automatics, a '96 and now a green '99 we cal 'The Green Monster" (for Red Sox fan's that means something). The gas mileage on both have been 36 in combined driving. The automatic is a 3 speed and it definitely takes a hit on the gas mileage. I have had no troubles with it, but you definitely know when you're going 70 mph by the whine of only having 3 speeds. My 18 yr old son drives my car, and it probably has saved him from getting some speeding tickets.
The engines are very similar to the 3 cyl version, so anything you did with rebuilding the Pheonix, you can do with your Green Monster. It will take you 25% longer.