Best engine on a budget...

[espo16]

Been looking for a while now first post.  Here goes....I have an 86 2wd w/ a 305.  Blew a head gasket...went to replace....head was cracked... bought a set of reworked heads #378450/ w 1.94 1.50 valves, ported...since heads are off, lets buy a new intake, new valve covers, new Mallory billet dist, water pump...new full length headers, dual exhausts, COMPLETELY NEW rear end w TrueTrac Limited slip 3.73, Moser alloy axle shafts, new tires, shocks....blah blah blah....now that I have invested  my life savings into this piece of !@#$%^&. Bottom end is shot and I only have about 1600 for a motor. help me please before I drive this dang thing into the dang Gulf of Mexico....by the way it was SUPPOSED to be a project for the weekends...some jackasses stole my 2006 VW and totalled it so now it is my daily driver. Back and forth from Pensacola to Pascagoula ...son of a !@#$%^&*I...

[78 Chevyrado]

Best budget buy would be this GM crate 350.

Jegs has it for $1549 plus shipping but you can price it and buy it from any GM dealer.

GM# 10067353
This universal 350ci engine uses a brand new block and can be used as a replacement for most GM vehicles from 1970-85. It produces 260 HP and 350 ft/lbs of torque with a 4-bbl carb and headers. It can be used as a replacement or as a retrofit into almost any vehicle. This brand new crate engine comes with a GM warranty and is covered for 3 years or 100,000 miles in applicable GM vehicles only.

[VileZambonie]

Find a used 350 cheap and rebuild it. You can do it for $400 bucks.