Hello, all. I have a pro-touring '73 Camaro that's going to be a completed roller in a couple of weeks here. Full Speedtech Extreme suspension. This is the first time I'm going through this process all on my own and a lot of it I don't know what I'm doing, so I'm learning along the way. I'm sure you'll get a sense of that pretty quickly with the noobish questions that are about to follow.

I'll be looking into engines and trans next (LS376/525, LSA, etc... w/T56) and have a couple of pretty general questions in terms of sourcing. Can someone explain the advantages and disadvantages of sourcing an engine and trans from an engine shop vs sourcing from a totaled car from a yard? After the initial purchase, what are the general steps to get an engine ready from an engine shop? From a yard? What are the general costs associated with each? I know they can range. Just looking for ballpark figures so I have some sort of idea. What other things are important for me to know that I'm not asking about here?

I know, this is all pretty general, but I have to start somewhere. Any and all feedback is very much appreciated. Thanks.

 

problem with a used motor is you don't know for sure what your getting, crate motor from a reputable shop will have a warranty, you will want to do some background on the shop to make sure its a reliable business that backs up the work and warranty. summit or jegs is a good place to look. best to call to make sure the fit is right for what your doing.

 

There are a variety of crate engines out there .and a lot depends on your pocketbook. The same for a custom belt one as well.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'm more interested in understanding the differences between the two sourcing methods in terms of activities you need to do to get the engine up to snuff and the general cost associated with that than I am understanding what everyone's preferences are right now. Although I do think hearing what your personal preference between the two is still important for me to understand.

 

Like craby said with a used motor you car not sure where you starting. Do you mean the cost of tearing down a used motor and inspecting it to see where you are at?

A nice, low miles LS3 with a T56 is going to be 10K ish The nice part of that is almost everything you need will come with it and you know everything fits. Assuming you are going to have both the the engine and trans gone through and a new clutch installed you are looking at another 3K. At that point you will need to decide what you are doing for an engine management system and a fuel system. You can use the stock PCM but it will need tuned to tune out all the extra stuff you are not using. You will need motor mounts and trans cross brace also.

The other side of that is getting a LS1/6 speed out of a 4th gen Camaro or GTO for about 1/2 the price.

Lastly you can try to parts stuff together. but you will need to know what you are doing more then if you buy the whole drive train. Like buying a truck 6.0 and a serrate T56 buying the right CAM and heads. It is by far the cheapest but also the most headache way to do it.