Just as a point of reference, after attempting to purchase several "good" big blocks, I settled on a free smogger 440 from a buddy. I decided I wanted to do a cam and intake. After pulling the original cam (note this was a running motor that I personally rode in the car) the cam bearings were discovered as shot. Now I am doing a ring and bearing, cam, intake, and putting a set of stainless valve and hart seats in a set of 516 heads I got for free as well. So far my "free" motor that has now turned to a ring and bearing project is costing me in the neighborhood of $1600, and no, I am not even changing pistons and will still end up with an 8:1 motor.