Quote Originally Posted by Dave Severson
Not even a choice then, go with the crate engine and the warranty. Last machine shop and balance bill I had was about $600. Add to that all the good parts and a brand new set of heads....You're a ways over $2500 allready. I always figure my time, even building my own motor, is worth something. If I can drop in a crate motor that does everything I need it to do I do it!!! My NAPA guy gets me reman stocker motors for about $1200.00 exchange, less for a chebbie, and they come with a 36 month 36,000 mile warranty.
i wish i could trust my napa guys but since i live in san diego, they're all shipped out of mexico with the cheapest parts available on the automotive market.... but seeing that i work in a shop.... i can build my motors myself.... its just a matter of fitting the time in to do it.... ussually if i'm at work working on a motor, i want to get paid to do it....

but yeah i'd stick with a GM crate motor, they're good reliable motors, i've heard a few complaints of oil pan gaskets leaking..... but they're few and far apart..... and you really should check all that stuff anyways.... ya never know what happened during the shipping process