ok... Here goes. I have this 1971 cutlass and I want to swap the motor but my first problem is.... where in the heck can I get an ls engine?? I cant seem to find anyone local that sells them but I know they're around. Im really anxious to get this project going but I would hate to buy the wrong motor.... someone? Anyone wanna help me find one? Im thinking a budget swap would be best and then we can add mods after. Thanks in advance

 

Ebay? Summit? Junk/salvage Yards? Craigslist?
LS1tech.com
Have you tried these sources

 

If you want a salvage yard LS motor, try www.car-part.com.

 

Make sure you plan this right, cause you can't just pull the Olds motor out and drop in an LS and drive. There is a lot more to it.
By wrong motor you mean what??

 

Don't know where you are but I got a GM crate engine I'd let go reasonable. 330 hp low miles.

 

What kind are you looking for? Aluminum or iron block?
They have not made LS1s in 10 years, so the stories about low mileage ones are suspect, stay away from them.
You'll pat a real premium for LS2s and 3s.
The iron block motors in trucks are readily available, easy to find low mileage, and a 1/3 to 1/4 the price of aluminum blocks.
I've bought 2 from ebay sellers that had been moving them as complete takeouts quite a while. Also 6 month warrantee. I lowballed offers after their auction expired, got them both. Cost about $100 to ship. One even came overnight.

 

If your talking a budget swap I'd go with a 1968-72 Olds 350 motor. Really common in my part of the country and reasonably priced. Where are you located?

John