http://tinypic.com/r/mmyjqo/7 this is the 98 pic.
http://tinypic.com/r/mcxflj/7 this is the 99 pic

 

These are not cam sensors, but your VVT control. The cam sensors are in the back.

 

So they are not critcal to swap engine over? I already swithched the back sensor, it had only one on the drivers side.

Is the vanes the only reason to change cams?

 

They are critical, you need to retain ALL of the electronics from the 98, so just use the bare block & heads from the AJ27 engine (So re-use all the rest, front cover, camshafts, oilpump, camcover, timinggear (so vvt), knocksensors, ignition coils, etc).

The timing of the cams for the AJ27 one is slightly different, but you could use them (though I wouldn't advice it), but you must than swap the vanes as your AJ26 ECU can't work with 4 vanes.

 

I looked closer and realized that the knock sensors(VVT control) are actually mounted in the timing chain cover.

I found a place that will let you rent the tools for cam change? They charge 50 dollars for 30 days.

What are the chances that there is nothing wrong with the AJ26? the valves impacted on cyllinder, and left two small nicks in the cyllinder right at the very top of the stroke.

After I removed the head the engine seam to turn over smoothly by hand. My concern would be crank, connector arm or bearing damage.

Have you heard of people reusing the block after a chain failure resulting in a e-valve impact?

 

Sorry I have no experience with valves hitting the pistons, and the possible effects on it. I can imagine it is not good, but if it is small enough (so low impact) then I can just as well imagine it will be ok, do you have a picture? My concern would be the piston, not the rest, the valve will relatively easy bent first before the other parts you mention go.

Others have to chime in here with their experiences.

 

Avos:
Why is it you say to change the "oilpump timing gear"? And for an A-27 into an A-26, can you use the injectors from the A-27? Specifically, I am doing a SC engine swap.

 

The AJ27 uses a different VVT mechanism based on oil pressure. I have not enough knowledge about this to determine if the oil pumps will do exactly the same in both engines. So to be on the safe side I think it is better to re-use your AJ26 pump. Now in your case it is different, I would go with the AJ27 pump, as you don't have VVT. Don’t know if you can interchange the injectors between the AJ26&AJ27, I would just have the AJ26 professionally cleaned, and then place them evenly (based on flow rate) per bank.

 

Gotcha-
Thanks!