I know there is a possibility that these questions have been answered before, but I have searched and need reliable answers fast!
I have a 98 civic hatch with an LS Vtec swap.
My problem is:

1 I never hear the fan turn on. Paired with that, my water temp gauge is broken! (it was that way when the car was purchased)

2 when shifting up from any gear, for example… 1st to 2nd, or 3rd to 4th, it grinds sometimes. Now if I keep the RPM’s below 7K, it is fine. But if its around 8K, unless I take it real slow, it will grind for a bit and then go in gear! Is my trans shot? Or is it my crappy stage 2 clutch that was probably bought from a knock off artist on EBay?

3 after about 10 min, the rpm's fluctuate between 100 and 1000. if i drive it hard for a bit it will maintain 800 but starts fluctuating again if i drive for a wile below 4000 rpm. i also smell allot of gas but do not see any leaks!

Block is a B18a1
Ecu- p28 obd 1
I don’t  have any more info on what I have at this point. Today I plan to dive in and see what all I have that is good and what needs to be replaced or modified!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank You,
                 Aj