Trying to figure it all out need opinions

Welcome to the forum. You seem to off to a good start. You may help us if you know of good core buyers etc. There are lots of old threads you will greatly benefit from reading.

On motors I first check to see if the wire is copper or Al coated with copper.

On the stranded wire that looks like it might be Al, cut it or scrape the side and look for copper color. Most times its tinned copper wire. The manufacture tins the wire to make it easier to solder. Also with experience you know by feel most times if it is copper or Al.



There are computer boards in some cars that can be recycled for more than shred. Do some more reading in the electronics area. Mike