OK, long story short, I'm abandoning the rotary Z and going LS1. Local guy here is selling an LS1 2002 camaro, salvage title. motor has 26k miles.
It's definitely not pretty to look at, yesterday I drove it and it felt slow for an LS1 (but was also throwing MAF low volume error code, and p1/p2 banks leaning out). Most likely MAF was damaged in the accident (and it's visible in auction photos I found of the car (frame was severely damaged, upon impact the battery exploded and engine bay was covered in acid. Engine itself isn't very pretty to look at (think dirt and acid etching on aluminum and plastic).
Otherwise the engine ran quite good, no stumbles, steady 800rpm at idle. Shifted smoothly through all 6 gears, even the skip shift crap was working. It's bone stock
Guy wanted 5,800 for it, I talked him down to 5k. Do you guys think it's a decent deal to buy, yank out drive train/fuel tank, part it out, and junk it, for about $5,000? Given the MAF and sensor replacement, I think I can knock off another $300 or so. Need to give an answer today, let me know your thoughts!
For reference, local salvage yard here (gmsportssalvage) sells LS1/t56 sets for 4,500 with 30 day warranty.