1997 Trans am lt1, should it be swapped?
 

[>:]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!??!?! :eek:Thanks.

RE: 1997 Trans am lt1, should it be swapped?
 

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.