Originally posted by Leonard
If I was gonna spend 3k, it would be on the R block, and other assorted bits and pieces.
The point here is: Something sufficient for 1-2 years. < 10000 miles total expected life.
In that case I think you'd be better off sourcing a used motor instead of rebuilding the one you have. I'm betting you can find a low mileage Explorer 302 fairly cheap. My feeling is if you are going to spend the time and money to rebuild a motor, you may as well do it right and get exactly what you want. Why would you spend all that money to rebuild it to stock specs when you could just find another used motor for probably less?