Engine Block compatability..Help!

[thesoundofspeed]

I've got a 1st gen. Sprint. For the purpose of being a cheap-o, I would like to try using a newer block (2nd or 3rd gen. since no local wreckers have any 1st gen.) and swap all my innerds to it.
1. Head bolt pattern
2. Oil passages (psi + drain)
3. Bell housing bolt pattern
4. Thrust bearing specs
I've got 489000km's+ on the block...don't know if anything's bin done to it before. Just replaced the head, and the cylinders are soooo worn out, I'd like to swap the block if I can. Any help'd be good, Thanks. It's currently smokin like a cold diesel in the winter.

[bennie442]

Why not simply use what you already have? Have your block bored for larger pistons and skip the compatibility issues that might come from a newer engine swap.

[thesoundofspeed]

I'd like to, but seeing that the pistons could move back and forth roughly 3/32" (almost an 1/8") tells me that even going to the largest piston/bore size may not take clean up the entire cylinder.....I'll price it all out and weigh my options. Thanks for the reply What surprised me the most when I had the head off and pulled all pistons to check the rod bearings, is that none of the pistons were cracked below the oil ring land and the skirt, where they would normally show crack's given the amount of bore wear.

[Metromad]

Just a thought, but these engines have steel sleeve in an alum. block. Any chance of finding some new sleeves? Never tried it myself, never had one apart that had that much wear. Let us know what you find, others may find it helpful!