Talked to shop about engine swap: He said book labor rate is about $1400. Based on my experience with them, they always quote high, especially on something like this. My guess is their labor will be more like a grand or less unless they run into problems. Used engines with approx 125K miles on them seem to be running about $1200 in my area. I am thinking the out the door bill for an engine swap with a new water pump and timing chain, some gaskets, etc... will be right at the three grand mark. This makes it doable. Then I will just have to hope the tranny or nothing else terminal pops up in the next year or so.
Right now I haven't heard any noise for a while and the ticking has all but disappeared. I just wanted to get some info ahead of time, so if this thing suddenly gives up the ghost, I know whether to junk it or fix it.
Thanks for the inputs.
Rich