When I started my truck project I was given a 350 crate engine from a friend in exchange for helping him swap in a built up 400. The 350 needed to be freshened up (rings/ Vv seals ect).... maybe more
While contemplating my options and looking online I looked into my local GM parts shop and was surprized to find that not only were they cheaper but I could get one the same day. A basic 300hp truck engine with 3yr warrenty was only $1700 (sale price), and the price went up from there depending on how much hp it made and how complete the engine was, not sure if they were just motivated to move inventory. in almost every case the dealer was the better way to go. This was a couple years ago but the prices havent changed much and is generaly regional/ demand driven. I did found this site, prices seem reasonable and only slightly more than what the dealership was quoteing me on the same engines
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/All-...ines-C718.aspx