AAACV8: If you want a good example of the 'cost to install a new crate engine into your classic' this could well answer your question. Two years ago I found myself parked next to a VH Commodore estate in a local classic car show. His bonnet was open and noticing a 'big V8' in place of the 'usual suspects' I naturally asked "what size?" "It's a 350" he said, "I had $30,000 to spare and I couldn't get better value than this for my money - rather than trading in my classic for something else".