I was less two weeks away from doing this (I even found a ls/auto swap that needs a minor rebuild for $500 engine/tranny/ecu's)

but alas, my waterpump crapped out on me this morning. started it up, and it was making all sorts of loud noises.

so instead, I spent the $500 on a new waterpump/timing belt/head gasket etc.

still debating picking up the engine, tho...

but part of me wants to get some suzuki vitara pistons, eagle rods, apr studs, and a nice little 8psi setup :rick:

 

if your thinking of going budget build consider some Tunertoys rods. They're basically knock offs of eagles with the ARP8740 rod bolts and not as nicely finished. But for about $100 less I think they're fine. There's also a TT coupon code, just google it.