Just an
opinion here, so take it as such.
Since the actual car was a total, and you're modding a later model frame to use, I can't see what possible difference using a non-"stock" engine would make....it's NEVER going to be an original '71 car again at this point, even with the original engine. So, money-wise, the original engine will probably not add to the net worth of the car in the future.
That being said, you can build/buy a crate engine that LOOKS stock easy enough. There's a tons of early cars out there with high powered crate engines that look close enough to stock to fool 90% of the folks looking at them. If you're building this car for yourself, and for your own pleasure, then you can certainly do whatever you want to do with it. So....go with what makes YOU happy!
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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"