skongolf

I need to make a decision on an engine and trans to put in my 72 chevelle wagon and I came accross 2 decent deals. The first is a 2001 LS1 with 74K miles and 241 heads out of a camaro. It comes with everything, ECU, harness, rails, accessories, ect. And it will cost about $2300 delivered. The second option is a 2003 LQ4 with 4L80e transmission with 102K miles and will cost about $2300 delivered. It also comes with all accessories and harness/ecu. Only thing is they are both East coast cars and the 4L80e has been sitting outside under a tarp. Last option is an LS1/4l60e combo with 94K miles out of a 2002 TA and that would run about $3800 shipped.
Just curious what seems like the best buy. I have looked locally for 3 months now and nothing. A couple LS1's with no harness or ECU for like $2900 and an LQ4 with over a 100K miles and a 4l80e for $3500.
Just looking for an opinion.
My chevelle will be mostly a daily driver and maybe a little tracking eventually but MPG will be the top priority followed by HP.
Thanks

chevymike396

Go for the the 1st LS1 for $2300 if you know a good decent priced transmission shop or if you can do tranny work yourself. I bought a blown 4l80 to go with my lq4 for a couple hundred bucks and just had it built with a transgo hd2 shift kit and 3200 stall for $1500 and it will handle easily up to 500 to 550ft/lbs. If you went 4l60 it would be even cheaper. No matter what after all that you can get it tuned and get great MPGs! I would normally say go for the lq4 but in this case its been sitting outside and theres something about an aluminum LS1 that makes it a little better with its higher compression for when you want to build the power.