Help me understand rebuild vs crate?

Ill add my 2 cents and just to say: I'm not loyal to any one company but Mother MoPar.

Rebuilding 40 year old technology is pretty straight forward and many books have been written on the subject walking you thru every aspect of the job.
Finding a good machinist that will take on a old V-8 and get it right is tough because most that are left (still alive) are either very busy (because they are really good) OR realize they can bang out 2 subaru engines and make twice as much money in the same time. I just rebuilt a 74" 318 for the 66' I've yet to drop it in and I've personally have rebuilt over 25 engines that are still running today healthy.
It's a lot of work, requires a lot of special tools (if this is your first time) and you can not ever be "clean enough."
BUT on that note... when you first hear your own engine run... "PRIDE" is measured from the cheak to cheak in a smile.:thumbsup:

For me its all about your time. What is your time worth? Buy it done and drop it in and drive or spend your time (it does take a while) and do it your way and be proud.
Those to me are the 2 avenues you can take and end up with a good running engine either way.

Good luck and keep us posted. And remember to ask questions if you get stuck. There are plenty of people on here that would love to help you.
Joe