[DemonWithin99]

yeah none of the things we would think of or deal with is even in the thought process here. I cannot vouch for his driving when I don't see him, but I would not count out over rev or missed shifts. The overall costs we know and understand are a part of owning these machines. He's had horrible luck with f-bodies but loves them just the same as we do. I'd put an A4 in it with a freshened motor and bet it lasts forever, but that too is wishful thinking.

once again there is a small budget and unrealistic outlook on finding something for next to nothing. finding a local shop that will beat the quality work of our favored and beloved Slowhawk is harder than finding a motor new or used that is going to fit that budget, (once we factor in what it takes to get it to the shop) lol

For all we know it could be a top end issue and an easy replacement, but the fear is that it may be a bearing or worse in the bottom end. If the walls are scored it's trash and not worth rebuilding. only way to find out for sure is to get inside it, that being said to minimize downtime and shop costs it's better to just have a new/replacement motor at the ready. If the old one is salvageable then we'll rebuild it and save it for the next time... lol

I personally would give him my motor if I had the need/desire/money to drop a new motor in mine. I don't so it's not gonna happen anytime soon. I'll be attempting to talk more sense into buying a more family friendly transport till the $ gets where it needs to be in order to get things done.

As for this link I couldn't find anything better for a new ls1, but that's just online. Thanks for much of the info though, input like this helps (even a little)