Originally Posted by phunk

Nobody likes when I tell them this... but almost 20 years in this industry I can promise anyone that it IS worth the money to have a spare engine when you have such a highly modified vehicle. The only exception might be if you have other highly modified vehicles to entertain you during your down time. If your big engine needs a break, you can swap to the bench warmer and keep it at 600hp or so and still love and enjoy the car. Its nearly impossible to stay in love with a car that is in pieces 90% of the ownership experience and a constant pitfall of cash. If you are actually getting to use and love it, it will be a lot easier to maintain a positive attitude about the car.

This is why I wont build the engine in the car anymore. You buy a core to build. Keep the stock engine stock and swap it back in if ever needed. It will still suck if the big engine has a problem and needs to come out, but at least you can be back in action 2 days later.