thanks for the tips and encouragement!

Yea, unfortunately it is turbo-less.

Actually I think the starter job will be smooth, I am, however, floundering about whether or not to try to install a block heater.
I understand I must remove the freeze plug behind the starter.

that sounds easy, but someone told me that there may be some risk of cracking the block.

sure would be nice to have a warm engine in the am, though...