My 96 z28 just threw a rod and I am on the market for a new engine. I did an internet search, and of course, got hundred of results. i was just wondering if someone could recommend a good place to buy a cheap, reliable crate engine close to stock. I do not need added performance or anything, I just want a GOOD engine that won't break the bank and that will last awhile. Probably looking at getting a long block so everything is new.

 

gmpartsdirect was running a good deal on long blocks a few months ago. Im not sure if they still have any but they were like $1800 I believe......Im not positive though

 

I would look into the above or a junkyard motor. Many "performance" rebuilds are a step backwards from stock and most "stock" rebuilds are going to be pretty crappy.

 

gm parts direct does not have one, that i can find

skoggin dickey has a long block for 6k
http://goo.gl/k4M4

personally i would try to find a ls1 swap, engine trans harness pcm

or you have your motor rebuilt by a local machine shop - the best and cheapest option for you i think

or get one from a junkyard, but you dont know what you are getting

 

Good God - 6k for a goodwrench motor

 

I've read about Golen Engine Service in GM High Tech performance. Has anyone used them?
http://www.golenengineservice.com/ht...4.html#LTshort

 

Genuinegm.com - $1650. I was told when I called that they are brand new and shipping is only a few hundred, no core required.

http://tinyurl.com/33ytg6m

 

Good choice if you don't mind swapping them out every 7K miles for warranty work .

 

OMG a new motor for my 96 LT1 Engine 5.7 $5,170.00

 

I have found 2 decent engines. One is out of an LT1 95 trans am. Does anyone know if the 95 Trans am LT1 is identical to a 96 camaros? Or would I have to swap parts, computers etc. The other is an iron head out of a 96 caprice. It will work. The trans am is $550 and has 113k miles and the caprice has high 100k and is $250. Either way I'd prob have them machined. Which is a better choice for engine?

 

Go with the trans am engine. They are not the same engines nor do they have the same wiring harness. Personally I would want the aluminum heads. But both could work.

 

The Caprice motor is very likely the 263ci L99. They look the same as the LT1, so you'll have to do some research on casting numbers to be sure.
The 95 TA motor is not OBDII like your 96 is. It's been a while, so I can't remember the technical differences besides the computer. Crank position sensor, timing cover, etc? Somebody should chime in with any compatibility issues.
Here's some info on differences: http://www.lt1.org/lt1tech.html

 

AKA, cheap = worthless.

What about Crate Depot? What if he used them?

 

so people don't like golen? or is there one issue


I would say get that trans am engine. I did this with my build, it was a rebuilt motor out of a 95 car. Reuse everything you have and the big key is use your timing cover, that's the key difference. It has the connector for the crank sensor that that 93-95 cars don't.

 

my bad i misread.. 96 engine is obd2, 95 engine is obd1