Ok need advice, I can get a 1986 IROC 305 TPI for 1200, on stipulation, its got rod knock. Whats involved? whats needed to do? how much will it cost? i will be doin this in engine rebuild class in college next fall if i buy it. So what do you think? I need help here.
(i also did post this under the TPI board as well but then i saw this forum might be a better spot for it)

 

Depends on the rest of the motor, and what's torn up.

Sometimes you can just flip it over and put a crank kit in it. If the rings and heads are in good shape, and the rod that knocks isn't trashed, that's less than $200 in parts.

If the rod is farkled, or the heads or rings are worn out, it's time for a complete rebuild.... bore it, pistons, valve job, etc. plus of course a crank, and fix the fornicated rod(s).

But, since you can get one of those cars that works for that much money, that one better be one fine specimen to be worth it.