I'm getting back to the 98-02 Trans Am scene.

But I'm not sure whether to buy,
A) high mileage near-stock for $8000 or under

or

B) roller, blown engine, extremely high miles, light damage, etc for under $6000 and with the extra money find a good longblock & 6 speed trans somewhere, or repair the minor damage

I'm wanting to go over 350rwhp and keep it clean & a DD. Possibly heads & bolt ons, or cam only with headers, intake, etc. What is the cheapest I could POSSIBLY build that kind of longblock for? Perhaps pick up a stock LS1 somewhere and have a cam installed while it's out? Or should I stick to the not having any engine work done and be ready to drive instead of a slower process (since I'll be getting a loan)?

 

Go with A.

 

Unless you get the roller for a really low price.. go with option A.. that way you can drive it for now.. else your going to spend .. what.. 5k for a good HP long block to swap in for option B. what is the estimate to replace the "minor Damage?" and what else is broken or needing repair..

 

Go with A.

It won't take much money to get 350rwhp so you won't need that much left over money.

 

right. well, this option "A" mileage would be around 150k. that means in 30-70k miles I'd probably have to replace or rebuild the motor and probably other parts, and since I'm getting a loan I don't know if I'd have it paid off by the time I need money for a replacement motor.

I'm not sure on estimates for minor damage. It was a "general" type thing. Most likely cosmetic stuff (fenders, front clip, etc)

 

Can't you spend maybe 9k and get one with less than 100k miles on it? I sold a 99 Z28 with 61k on it last fall for 9200. Just a thought.

 

Definately A. 350 rwhp is really easy to come by with an LS1.

 

I thought about that today, and if Capital One will give me another loan by having my dad co-sign on this one (he makes lots of money & has good credit), I could.