i looking to get a car for around a 1000 and swap the motor.

im looking to get the most power possible in my budget with room to expand later on.I already got a motorcycle that i drive almost everyday so i would only be driving this a few times every so often.

what route do yall guys think i should take in the motor department

 

$7000 to buy the car, and whatever else you do to it?

If you get a decent roller for $1000, then I'd say LT1/4L60E swap. The engine/transmission/harness/PCM will run you about $1500-$3000, lower end if you get them from Caprice/Impala/Roadmaster, higher end if f-body. There's a '93 f-body LT1/4L60 on eBay right now for $2595 buy-it-now including shipping (not the "E" transmission, probably why it's a little lower).

By the time you get the other stuff done, like exhaust, swap minutia details, and the "might-as-well's", etc., you'll have spent your $7k budget. But, a great base upon which to build.

 

Another idea, but this may end up over the limit by the time it's done... If you get the car for $1,000 and look around, you may be able to get a wrecked ls1 camaro with a t56 or 4l60e for $2-3,000. Engine, computer, tires, trans, rear-end, wheels, interior.... all included. A wiring harness from painless and some other parts are necesarry for the swap. there are a lot of threads on here for the swap.

By getting a wrecked car, I got a complete '93 lt1 for $1,200 with a t56. the interior was a little rough, but the drivetrain is in good shape.