Budget engine bottom end

[Kooter]

I am in need of a new engine. I have a $1200 budget. I have trick flow heads, edelbrock intake and carb., and MSD ignition that I plan to use from the old engine. I want to get the most bang for my buck. I have been trolling craigslist and flea bay looking for a 5.0 roller. The best I could find was the bottom end of a 5.0 out of a 93 mustang with 46k delivered to my door for $500. I'd still have to buy the cam, lifters, and push rods. This engine also includes a one year warranty. Is this a fair deal or should I look for something else? I am sure that there are better deals out there but I would like to enjoy the car before I leave again. Suggestions, comments?

 

[6t9mach1]

A 5.0L roller is a good budget build from the standpoint of being able to make a decent amount of power with a small budget. No fancy, expensive retrofit roller cam conversions to run a roller cam and a decent bottom end. The problem with throwing a top end on a stock, untouched bottom end is you never really know whats going to happen. The bottom end may be in great shape and last a very long time or it may grenade on you in short order. A warranty is a good bit of insurance but you need to find out if that warranty will be void once you put that performance top end on the engine. The price probably is not too bad considering it includes shipping but you still never know with a used bottom end. I guess its up to you whether or not you want to take the gamble.