The last engine I got from pick-n-pull was a roller LA 360 on a half-off weekend a couple years ago. I got the long block for under $200 out the door and it was in great shape. I could've easily run it as-is with a cheap intake/carb and been well under $1500. I guess prices could've gone up in the last couple years though. But even for double what I paid, you've still got cash left over for an intake and carb.