Long story short..
Bought a "reconditioned" 4age from Mason Automotive in Feilding.
Put engine in rolla (AE82 Fxgt NZ New) with lots of new bits (clutch etc). Engine seemed to be blowing a bit of smoke and making a bit of noise, had a couple of people look at it. Mechanic sent me a new head from a different supplier. Put new head on with new gaskets again..
Engine wasn't running very well. head seems to be all good but getting a bit of knock on startup (sounds like something has too much clearence) and still getting quite a bit of blue smoke. At this stage im thinking it could be a stuffed piston ring at the least. But seeing how much luck ive had with this car so far, its probably going to be something worse like a crank issue.. But then that wouldn't explain the smoke? Hm
Im going to do a compression test and set the timing again this week. Will post with the results.
Im sort of asking for advice on what people would do if they were me and had already spent a fair wack of coin on a car thats as old as I am. I can't imagine I would get much for in its current state but I may end up putting it up for sale if its going to need much more to get it going.
Sigh.