Incubusjunkie614

i assume you have a stock motor/ trans setup. Based on my experiences with cars in general wiring diagrams do change, mid year, or when ever the manufacturer felt like it. I'm willing to help, but you are going to have to be more specific. I.e. when does the starter free wheel, key on? key off? start? stuff like that needs to be more specific. what else happens when the starter goes "click click" i assume that its the starter not getting enough power. does your battery drain when just hooked up, like say over night? Or is just extended cranking?

the gear grind may be taken care of with different trans fluid or mixture of fluids. It will never completely go away and not return. As for the motor i would ask for compression numbers and mileage at the very least.

its definitely different, but to think i could have bought that car and had my project going!!

adding some gasket sealer would be a fine idea. dont pour it on like its going out of style, but a coating on both sides will make sure everything is sealed. you will be fine. just make sure you clean the manifold and engine mating surfaces (if there's any burnt on/ stuck/ broken gasket pieces) very well otherwise a leak may occur anyway.