If you shop carefully you can pick an engine up without spending a fortune. I got my engine for $650 plus shipping, and it's been recently rebuilt with turbo (very little shaft play). The downside is that it took a while to find. I've been shopping actively for the last year, and had two engines fall through before I found one.
I highly recommend it. A running car, even with a stock engine, is still good for a ride.
I highly recommend it. A running car, even with a stock engine, is still good for a ride.