The money isn't as much as you think if you don't go with one of those outrageoulsy high dollar crate motors. I found a 5.7 out of a truck with only 40K on it for 1200 bucks complete. I have personally seen a Dart with a 5.7/727 combo running for under 3K using a junkyard engine. Alot of little homeade tricks to save money are the key. It is not easy by any means, but not nearly as expensive as many make it out to be.