junkyard engine pricing

[TylerT/AZ28]

so ltely ive been debating recently i found out that my camaros 305 cylinders are weakening the rings are shot, bearings are likely getting there and the ecm doesnt work. so ive been looking into something different i kind of want a truck and id like to keep the camaro for future rerebuilding. so i was thinking how much do engines cost at a junkyard whats the highest and lowest youve padi for one, id like something in the bigger small block range 400-350-327 no more 305 and 307's i am finishing up that 307 into a 328 stroker though hell if i know thatll work. anyways id be putting an engine into a truck before the camaro im gonna need something to transport with and a truck would help out with all the things i do like hauling things. second question what would be the best way to fuel a truck-carb-tpi-lt1-vortec. i know if your running a small block then you have some issues with lt1 heads. so basically im looking for suggestions/input/ideas/etc either way the 305 will likely be decorative yard equiptment and ill have two other engine to put into one of two vehicles

[TrickyTransAm]

You've got a lot going on in that paragraph, so I need to try to read between it all.

It all depends on how much money you have and what kind of truck your building.
I know several folks that have done CPI Vortech engine swaps fairly cheap because they are plentiful and fairly cheap.
To help you out:

1. What year truck you working with
2. How much money do you have to spend

I would recommend one project at a time. Build the truck for dependability and mileage, and build your car for fun.

Engine cost will vary on what type of engine you purchase.
Old 350's are getting harder to find, as when the market folded boneyards cashed in on all the old vehicles. (That included old big blocks too)
You have several good salvage yards in your area, so check around.
I purchased my LQ9 6.0L for a little under $1400 complete with a warranty.
The 03 Grand Prix 3800 Series II with 53K I purchased for $800 with a warranty (All american and import on 16mi by the post office)
A 2.4L Twin Cam I purchased cost $800 with 100K on the clock. (But also got a warranty)
Several other 3800s for $300-400 were trash (identified after I got them home) - get what you pay for.

Whatever engine you choose to buy from a boneyard, look it over before you buy it. If you can hear it run, big bonus. If not, try to get a warranty that at least covers you for replacement in the event you put it in, and find out its shot.

[TylerT/AZ28]

well i found out that the truck doesnt need a moor, the # 2 cylinder isnt working properly because theres something to do with the valves in that location, so i think im set, although i would like a 400 in the camaro eventually, and does jasper have a warranty after 40,000 miles on a 350 crate engine?

[TrickyTransAm]

well i found out that the truck doesnt need a moor, the # 2 cylinder isnt working properly because theres something to do with the valves in that location, so i think im set, although i would like a 400 in the camaro eventually, and does jasper have a warranty after 40,000 miles on a 350 crate engine?

Taken From Jasper's Website, Providing it's installed by a certified Mechanic, you have 3 year 100K mile warranty on remans.
If its a Taxi, or service vehicle, 18 months.

I know from my experiences remanufactured engines from various places are hit or miss. Some folks have had great luck with Jasper, some are dead out of the crate.

It's also important to understand the machining process. It's possible not all are like this, but it makes sense from a cost perspective if your mass rebuilding engines.

1. All gaskets are the same low cost brand for rebuilding.
2. All machining is done to the maximum specifications to avoid variances in wear of different engines with varying miles. (So, the parts are disposable, not rebuildable after you exhaust their usage - including block crank, and heads)
3. Warranty claims are meaningless. I had a 5 year warranty with mine, and they would not honor it even when I faxed them the 5 year warranty paperwork.
4. Has to be installed by a certified tech in many cases. Meaninig, you can't do it yourself. Some places will either void your warranty completely, or offer a reduced warranty.

You'd be better off getting a GM reman, or one that was hand built by a reputable shop.

[SoulTerror]

I bought my 94 LT1 motor off Craigslist for $550 with all the accessories and wire harness. When my mechanic picked it up, he said it was a salvage yard or something like that. No problems with the motor either.

[TylerT/AZ28]

well, i wasnt too worried about the engine, i dont think the guy has documentation on the installment or anything, but i know i can fix it, its something in the heads, thats it