I want to take a moment to give a shout of appreciation out to member/moderator Will Wagner. He's been very forthcoming in offering his extensive knowledge/advice/tools/etc in coming this far. He reviewed the ECM for me and made the configuration changes (he can't do it for Dodge Ram diesel applications, so don't go there). His largest help has been deciphering the 24 volt part numbers I needed for some items, along with a description of the coalescing filter drains and coolant system flow (differing high/low pressures within the block for heater core and coolant air bleed routing). Of course the ECM review also, though I could have had that done at a local dealer, Will actually knew my intended target vehicle application, so that was a huge help. This info would have been hard to find quickly without his help and resources. It is a valuable tool to have him contributing and be as excited about this as myself and others.
Also a special thanks to member grendel. If it were not for acquiring the 13 speed transmission, I would likely not be doing any of this. Always wanted my 9 to be a shifter, and wasn't going to do it unless I could have an overdrive to go just a smidge faster. A 13 speed is hard to come by, especially at a reasonable price. We horse traded some things around and he made the transmission available to me for a cost within reason. Though he never thought it would leave my shelf once I finally arranged shipping on it (6 months later), here it is stuck onto the back of an engine 33 years newer than it, and about to be dropped in. The guy really has a "can-do" attitude. It was his single sentence of "They all have the same frame rail spacing, you can have anything they have." sentence that established my confidence. Thanks buddy, I hope you can drive it one day.
Also to all the others who have been patient, supportive, and funny though this. I have need it all to come this far, please continue.
I know I know, get the engine in, and get my back window fixed. I'm on it....