82Red

On top of the cost of the engine, what is the realistic cost to have a crate engine installed? Are there any other expected costs other than labor when installing a new 'complete' engine out of the Goodwrench:chevy catalog?

Smokehouse69

The long water pump that comes on some of the crate engines won't work on your 'vette. There are a bunch of other things that you probably should replace while you have the engine out. Hoses, belts etc. then you'll have to provide a fuel pump, probably wouldn't be a bad idea to replace your motor mounts, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor (if the motor doesn't come with one.
Then there is the cleaning and detailing on your engine bay, painting the front suspension parts, and radiator support, general clean up. You don't want to put a new radiator in a dirty old engine bay.
Lots of details that can add up to some cash if you aren't prepared. I figure I spent $500=$750 on odds and end doing my crate motor install, but I sort of went overboard and replaced a lot of stuff just because it was nasty looking.

L82-JWS

I probably spent an additional 2000. Put ZZ4 in my 79. Speed Demon 650, water pump, clutch, flywheel, march pulleys, new radaitor, hoses, headers...etc..etc...once I had all the 'original' L82 parts out, I decided to keep them in tact, and replaced the parts accordingly. You will find that you will be tapping the cash, for little odds and ends as well. Any bolts I replaced, I went with Stainless, as an example. Plus you probably want to get a HEI curve kit, new wires...CHA CHING!! :party: