Valve cover gasket torque spec and sequence needed?

Kia Rio with 215,000 miles on it. I paid $320 for it, ticks really bad it shifts hard going into 3rd gear. I did a Valve cover gasket and also a transmission pan gasket. I was going to change the filter until I found out you need to separate it from the motor. I used valve alone 5w20 n transmission fluid with Lucas oil treatment. Started it up to check for leaks, had it running for like 20 min, ticking went away a lot but still there, so I decided to go around block to test tranny, gave it some gas n it bogged out. Now it won’t start! Also did rotors pads n calipers in rear all in one day, seen motors n tranny cheap online. Why I’m trying to save it, plus it beats a car payment, I'm thinking fuel, but if that was the case y would it shuts off when I gave it a little gas? And it idles fine for 30 minutes.

So, I’m thinking about replacing my motor. It’s a 1.6L vin 3 8th digit. Can I get motor out of other vehicles besides a Kia rio, as long as it’s a 1.6L vin 3 8th digit? Or do I have to sty with a motor out of a Kia rio? Thank you in advance.