Ok, so I guess there is no such thing as an easy fix. I picked up a wrecked (but running) 1997 d21 with the ka24e. I swapped over the engine and trans together and now I have a whole new set of problems. The most pressing issues are:
1) The speed sensor is for an electronic speedometer set up and mine is analog. I would just swap sensors but the analog sensor I had in the old trans was badly scarred when I lost 5th gear and no longer spins. I have looked at all of the parts places in my area including a scrap yard with no success. Nissan tells me that the part is discontinued and obsolete. Any ideas?
2) Different distributors. I have resigned myself to swapping them out , however, before I attempt this I would like tips to make sure I can do this without seriously screwing up the timing.
On a side note: in case anyone else attempts this same type of project with as little experience as I have/had, it is extremely helpful if the transmission is in neutral before trying to drop in the engine trans combo and line up the driveshaft. The cuss words were flying until I figured out why it wouldn't line up, then I just felt stupid.