Hey there. Let's keep this simple...I need a new engine! The L98 has 204,000 on it and I got to get it replaced this summer before I start school. I am on a budget since i just found out my motor is a time-bomb right after I spent $1300 on my new suspension. Tell me what you guys think:

Option A: Buy the GMPP L98 shortblock and get my heads re-built, throw in a ZZ4 cam and plop the TPI back on.

Option B: Buy the caprice engine (LO5 I think) from goautocenter.com which comes with the crane 2032 cam (decent cam). Warranty extra $???

The only thing is, I think my L98 heads would be much better than the heads on the goautocenter.com engine after they are re-built.

So which route would offer the best bang-for-the-buck? Also, which way would have a better warranty? Thanks.

Don't get any long block that comes with TBI heads. Your L98 heads are leaps and bounds better. I would have them rebuilt and look into an L98 or ZZ4 shortblock. Maybe rebuild yours with new goodies. You can go 383 or 355. Your options for the shortblock are almost endless and most of them will cost the same in the end.

I'm kinda liking option A. I guess you'd probably want to port the exhaust ports on the heads too. Does option A have a warranty? Well, I guess it won't as soon as you throw that cam in there. Honestly, if this was your only/primary vehicle and you NEED it for trans, I'd recommend a crate engine and spend the left-over money making sure everything else is in check. Preventative maintenance kind of stuff. Try to figure out what's next on the list of stuff breaking or failing, and be ready to deal with that when the time comes. Although, I'd find it difficult not to mod a replacement engine before I dropped it in the car too.

I really like the goautocenter.com engine because it comes with the pan, oil pump, valvetrain, valve covers, and a warranty. It's just those heads that are holding me back. However, the L98 shortblock is only $1,135 so I should have money left over for all those goodies. Does the replacement L98 sound like a good foundation though? I mean it's a 2 bolt and just has cast, dished pistons...bah. I'm sure anything would be better than what I've got now though.


http://www.sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?act...id=514&pid=620

Stick with the L98 replacment. You can reuse everything from your old motor. The goautocenter motor that you are looking at is garbage.

I say get the replacement L98 and put a nice roller cam in it(Lt4 hot cam or zz4 perhaps) then have your heads rebuilt, ported, and modified to handle the higher lift cam. Then you have a smoothe running street car with some nice performence aswell. Good Luck.