The problem with converting a 2000 car to a 97/98 is the fact that they use different operating platforms in the ECU...
2000 is like OBD-2 version 2 or something, the ECU is different than a 97-98
97-98 is OBD-2 for sure, and it sucks anyway...
It may be a law for emissions reasons, but what the hell, everyone who gets a "Lick and stick" inspection is technically breaking the law as well....
Go figure...

U should get 97-98 engine, get OBD-2 to OBD-1 conversion and then run an EEPROM, say to hell with emissions and the cops...LOL

As for the engine, it should be pretty much the same internally and externally... Except for some sensors and stuff should be exactly the same as B18C1

-Mike