Need suggestions on swap Options

[SinisterWhisper]

Ok, I have a roughly 1500 in stocks right now. I will be moving out of my apartment and back into my parents at the end of june. My car needs a new transmission, pulleys, and has 242k miles. I honestly don't feel like it is worth it to pull the engine and swap in a new trans.

I have the ability to get a blacktop for 1200 +343 shipping (to my house, no liftgate), and it might have a 6 speed. They are recommended on this site, just don't want someone stealing it away . Shipping seems high though.

I could get a blacktop off ebay with a 5 speed for the same 1200, and pay less in shipping, but does anyone recommend sellers off ebay?

I could go for a silvertop for 8-900 and replace extras.

What parts should I replace? I know I will need spark plugs, new wires, clutch possibly? I know there is more just sorta in a hurry. What do you guys think?

[Kwanza26]

Replace EVERYTHING that will eventually require maintainence while the motor is out. Timing belt, waterpump, rear seal, oil pump gasket, oil pan gasket, etc. Most of those will interchange with the 16V... those that do not... cut some gasket manually. It'll save you a ton of headaches in the future.

Between the blacktop and silvertop... get the blacktop. No questions asked. The blacktop head is far superior for making horsepower and is MAP sensored so you can run open ITBs and such. Generally, they make 10-15 more hp than a Silvertop. Now a question... does the 1200 price include Engine, trans, ECU, wiring, coil ignitor, misc sensors? It better. A blacktop longblock around here runs about 700-800 dollars... with the C56 maybe a hundred dollars more... with the C60 (6 speed)... 150-200 more. That's minus the wiring/ecu.