Questions about a 2006 5.7

Its just turning into a big black money hole right now. I will drop a few thousand into our camaro project that never ends but so far its pistons, heads, gaskets, turned into 4 rods, push rods now since pre eagle are too short, intake that I expected but not getting a 6.1 aluminum for 5-600, then the valve covers wont fit so tack that on just makes the project that should hopefully last into a build. Considering I bought the car with a "hemi tick" from a mechanic that most likely knew it was not the hemi lifter tick. After putting a couple grand into it, those used motors start to look like the better choice, but then again, what do you get or will you be dealing with rebuilding that one.
I have bought 2 long blocks 1 for my truck and 1 for my nephews. The $4k have had no problems with them. I think it actually comes out cheaper. Unless you doing a power build.