It should.
Look at the EGR valve; it's on the drivers side of the head. If the EGR valve is the same, everything else should be easy to exchange.
is it DOHC or SOHC 2 overhead cams or 1 if they are the same DOHC or SOHC then yes most years will fit and 99 and 98 will absolutely fit
Yes, the front ends should be identical.
will 99 323 rims fit 97 540
don't think motor mounts will work - look for 92-99 3800
yes
No.
yes............!
yes
yes, same motor
Yea the fuel tank will fit
yes they do
What model escort? It will fit in a saloon (4 door) then it will fit, but all the electronics are going to have to be changed. If it is going in a coupe (zx2) then yes. There was no change from 98 to 99. Hope that is some help to you.