Help me understand rebuild vs crate?

So nobody mentioned but since this is for a STREET application where not every single part in the engine needs to be upgraded or modified... 5.9L Magnum swap? The short blocks are almost always in perfect shape so that saves $1000+ right there and you still get 9.5:1 static comp with stock pistons. Get a pair of EQ heads, carb, intake, cam of your choice, and reuse the rest of the stock stuff... you'll have a 350-ish HP (at least, corrected of course) for wayyy less than either a full rebuild or a crate engine. And you still get your 'feet wet' putting an engine together.

I see you're also in CO, a bit out in the boonies though... I know how the high altitude thing goes btw. You got any junkyards near you at all?