1997 engine replacement
 

My engine has internal problems (burning lots of oil in #4 cyl.), thinking of swaping out with used unit insted of opening up can of worms. How new can I go with transfering all externals, i.e., intake, exaust, sensers, ect? I would like to get lowest mileage motor as possible, and are any years better than others? Thanks.

94 blocks are probably the best.

I swapped 94 engine into my 96. Only thing that didn't fit was the Crankshaft Position Sensor (the one in the front of the block). The 94 block simply didn't have a place to screw it. But you can just DIY a bracket and be done with it.
I also reused my intake and exhaust manifolds, and I think I had to reuse the fuel injector harness due to connector differences.

That being said, my 94 engine was from from Japan so it didn't have EGR. With an engine from an american car, you might not have to do anything...