Power and Efficiency

[robotix]

it is much easier now than it was 10, 5 or even 2 years ago. There are companies all over that will retune your new ECM, and others that will modify the donor harness (removing wires you don't need, labeling those you do). It is sad that there is no way to make the same power, mileage or efficiency with the older stuff, but it's just something I have come to be okay with. I also like the fact that I can take a lap top or a smart phone, plug it into a cord and connect it to a port, and see what my motor is doing and how to improve it. There is a learning curve, but there are a lot of people out there that can take that burden off your hands for very reasonable amounts of money. Many can do the tuning over the computer live, via remote desktop.

That's really neat! I don't mind learning, but if it's reasonable enough it'd probably be a better idea to let someone with experience do it right the first time.
It really is sad, though, that the engines that LOOKED like engines can't perform on the same level..
I like the idea of having someone remove the excess clutter, too.
Would it be better to go with a donor engine & transmission, or to buy a crate?