Rookie question: when to get engine

[BA.]

I'm trying to plan ahead a little bit for when my ride gets paroled from the Body Shop. The car is 100% disassembled other than suspension.

I've put off the engine purchase for a long time because it's going to be a huge expense. I'm wondering if now is the time to get it.

Is there any reason to put the engine in place before doing all the glass, front/rear lights, bumpers, dash, A/C, body wiring harness, etc.?

[SaturnVUEguy]

Are you going to need to do any fabricating? If so, I'd put the engine in before going too far, so you know you have clearance

[SatisTraction]

i would say "it depends"

if you are going with a SBC or BBC i would wait until the end. if you are going custom (lsx, or other) i would but it ASAP for fitment.

[jerome]

I put my engine in first, because I had to work on firewall to make it fit, but if the car already had the engine you are putting into it, before you tore it apart, you can delay getting the engine.

[GPI]

Just my opinion but it may also depend on how long it will take before you get to the point of running the engine. Sometimes not the best to have the new engine just sitting there for too long not running. Seals/ gaskets dry, etc.