Just finished your entire thread, start to finish Bob. First, sorry for your losses with your furries (sounds weird saying that considering there are kids that act like animals nowadays) but all of us that have lost a pet know the sting and the mark it leaves on our hearts after losing one, so i am truly sorry.
Your attention to detail and thoroughness is absolutely commendable, thats got to be the military in you. Something that i hear often, but most people never practice, and that my pops told me from a young age, if you are going to do something, do it right… no matter what it is.. whether cleaning up dog crap in the yard, doing homework, building an engine, finishing a basement or building a house and you sir, definitely do things right.
Good luck (but im sure you dont need it) on the motor swap that im sure will go smoothly and cant wait to hear that its running and you are happy with all your choices. (i feel like as im typing this you are already flashing the tune and you’ll be at you first oci by the time i hit post reply… lol)
In a year or two i hope to embark on somewhat of a similar journey… the whole work and pesky life thing seems to always be in my way.. we shall see what the future holds for me, but for now, vicariously living through yours and many, many others threads on this forum will have to do.
Good luck and God speed
-pete