I'm looking for an engine for my project car and I've never done this before. I live kinda away from the world, literally as far east in NC as is possible, so a lot of what I see is going to be a bit of a haul and I want to be prepared.
I'm kinda between looking for a car that I can drive to test the engine or looking for an insurance auction car that is listed as running but rear/side damage. Those seem like the best options to get a "known" good engine and give me the ability to part/scrap the rest of the car.
I also see engines for sale on ebay but it almost looks like that would be a pricier option and give me less ability to test the engine prior to install.
Or I can make a trip out to a junkyard and yank an engine but I still won't know what I'm getting. Plus I want a full harness/pedal/plumbing which some yards would nickle/dime me for or possibly be missing parts .
I'd love to hear any input from some guys who have done this more frequently. If it helps I'm looking for a VW BEW Tdi, so golf/beetle/jetta 2003ish-2005ish
