I found 2 small block chevy 350s... both need overhauling one is already apart and i can get it for $100 (79 Camaro) but the other one is "free" and needs a crank kit ( Late 70's early 80s chevy truck)... which one would be smarter to get? also i found a master overhaul kit with new pistons and a cam for about 250 is that pretty good?

p.s. does anyone know where a reasonable machine shop in maryland, delaware or virginia where i can get the heads checked out? napa screamin $270 but im on a budget and need to get rolling fast...

 

Any heads you get on those almost certainly aren't going to be worth even considering.

Either one would be about the same amount of effort. I'd go for the one that's already apart, since you can inspect it more easily before you buy it.

 

Cost wise, neither are really a good deal. The cost of a complete rebuild kit including gaskets, seals, rings etc plus the cost of all the machine work required can easily exceed the cost of a new replacement engine. It's easy to exceed $500 just in machine shop work.

Being on a budget, you'll be better off finding a running engine if you simply require a replacement engine.