Hoping I don't spend much more than 12K.
The new LS3 crate engine is half the 12K cost if I go that direction, rather than find a low-miles engine from a wrecked 'vette.
It's very easy to spend over 10K for any good street V8 that makes 450+HP along with a good overdrive trans that will handle some power. Exhaust, cooling and fuel system go along with that too.
Rough numbers:
New LS3 crate engine - $6200 (Very easy to spend this much building a top-notch street engine of any brand)
Engine wiring harness, new GM - $900
Complete set of Corvette accessory drives - $800 (aftermarket serpentine belt setups easily cost this much or more)
Vintage Air A/C setup - $1000
Headers - $600
Engine mounts - $150
4L65E trans and converter/Lokar dipstick tube/B&M trans cooler - $2200
Driveshaft - $150
Fuel system (aftermarket stainless fuel tank with internal EFI pump) - $600
Radiator (universal aluminum crossflow) - $200
Cooling fans (4th gen F-body or?) - $150 to $200
That's 13k already.
Whatever it takes, this hobby does cost some money to pursue as we all know.
