[rdkonkel]

I put in a 145,000 mile 5.3 in my 72. Added only headers. After having it tuned it was an animal ran it for years til I put too much nitrous on it.
Also got a shortblock free from the same guy. He said it was 180k + motor,
After tearing it down for inspection, couldn't tell it apart from a lower mileage one. Not even a hint of wear in the cylinder walls. I could still see the hone marks just slightly. This was my first "hell yeah" moment with these motors.
I just recently looked at an '02 2500 with a 6.0 with 315,000 miles. Thought it would be a mess. Started right up, idled nicely, and had good power when on the gas. Up north here the bodies of these trucks goes before the motors die. So 5.3's are a dime a dozen here. Bought last one from a junkyard complete for $250 with all front accessories.
Id say throw in a cheap high mile motor if money is tight then Take some time to build a monster, when budget allows.