These probably aren't for someone contemplating a one off, because of the price, but P-Ayr (payr.com) makes exact, plastic, replicas of Chevy and Ford engines and transmissions. Working with an 18 pound engine has to be easier than the real thing when your trying to lay out a swap. I've seen them at car shows, after market manufacturers use them to display their products.

I've been using one for my LS6 560SEC project for a while now. It is a fabulous piece of plastic. The plastic engine is sitting in the engine compartment right now with the GTO front sump oil pan bolted to it and an empty 700R4 transmission on it as well. I have an exact duplicate engine/tranny sitting in there and the whole thing probably weighs around 50 pounds, not 650!

I bought mine used from LS1Tech.com for $250, with a plastic T-6 transmission.

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
FrankenBenz: '87 560SEC with an '02 cammed LS6 and custom 4L60E.
Bling: '87 560SEC, ported/polished, lowered
Lisa: '87 560SEL, lowered

This thread is not about what I imagined it was.

Cool.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.