[joedoh]

man I would be careful, a pile of parts is pretty tough to jump in and drive around, and buying stuff you dont need yet might be exciting with the chase and the gratification endorphines but you should try getting the drudge work done first. my 2 pennies were in the beginning, and still are: its easy to take a running truck down for a weekend or week for an engine swap, or installing a bag kit. it is TREMENDOUSLY hard (and extremely expensive) to buy a bunch of different components bolt them all together and expect them to work harmoniously.

I know you have a 2.8 and thats bad luck but you know what, I would lump it with the 2.8 till everything was running and driving because you already know it works. get that experience of driving around the block instead of sitting in it making engine noises a year from now.