[>:]First off my1997! lt1 not only burned threw its water pump, radiatior/upper lower tubes, AND tranny but it just now went threw a head gasket...no telling if the heads are cracked/ engine... but n/e ways would it be more worth my while to spend the money on replacing that or just swapping the whole thing...it has 135000 on it so i kinda feel like a new engine would be potentially better. SO what engine fits in this 1997 formula firebird and for how much!??!?! Thanks.

 

If you are happy with the car (other than the stated drive train issues) and plan to keep it for a good while, a GM crate engine is a very good option.
They are GM built, new engines with a 3 year, 100,000 mile warranty. Last time I checked (Nov 06) the price was around $4500. You can then figure about another $1500 to get someone to install it. Another option to consider would be to get a rebuilt engine price should be around $2700 for a balanced completely rebuilt engine. Normally the warranty on those are 1 year - 12,000 miles. With this option you will also have to figure in adding new water pump and Opti-spark (together these two will run you close to $800) and hoses and belt, maybe a few other small items. Don't even think about using your existing Opti-spark if it is the original one. They are notorious for failing after being soaked from water pump issues and lots of times just give up from high mileage. A final option would be to get a shop that builds race engines and have a performance engine put together for you. Prices for this option are based on "How fast can you afford to go?" Hope this helps a bit.