I have a '95 850 Turbo that my dad is installing another engine due to a blown head gasket. He bought the car for $500 and we have an used replacement engine. So far, he has replaced:

Engine seals (front/rear crank, front/rear balance shaft seal, rear cam)
Serpentine belt
Rack and pinion (and new hoses)
Most all front end and rear end suspension parts to include subframe and engine mounts
Torque converter seal and axle seals for the tranny since it's out
Starter (rebuilt)
Alternator (rebuilt)
Turbo (rebuilt)
Water pump & thermostat (replaced)
Timing belt, idler pulley, tension pulley, damping element (replaced)
Radiator and water hoses (replaced)

I've put about $1,000 so far in the suspension parts excluding the struts and shocks. I'm undecided from all the reading on struts & shocks and can't make up my mind. Mainly, I'd like the smoothest ride and ones that lasts the longest time. My dad prefers gas struts with a lifetime warranty. Any suggestions?

Does anyone know if this model has a "flame trap" and if so, where is it and what is the part number? Is there anything else we should replace while we have the engine out that we was not mentioned?

Additionally, we were told the AC is good so we don't plan to touch it.

I'm open to any suggestions. I'm funding this and dad has a garage so it's free labor. I'd like to lean forward and replace anything that would be very costly in the future to replace since the engine is currently out.

We plan to have the engine installed mid July 2007.

By the way, were can I buy the black leather gear (shift) grip? Seems everyone has a nice metal or wood one but the plane black leather is fine for me but I can't seem to locate a source.