Meh, get an L36...the '97-'03 N/A bottom end. I'd like to think the rods are way better than the popsickle stick L26 rods in that car you got.

You can swap over all the stuff from the '05 to the older short block.

Trans wise?

When the motor is out...drop the pan, wipe it clean, same with the magnet in there, toss in a new filter (gasket should be reusable) and refill with Dex 6 minus about a quart of stop slip from Lucas.

Should be golden.