I need some wisdom

[HalfTon]

Well a few months ago the cam went flat and the truck was parked. Last week I finally got around to pulling the engine. After tearing the engine down I found some bad news and discovered some things. The engine was bought from a local hot rod shop and was supposed to be a 355, double hump heads, early casting block, eagle crank, and a few other goodies. After taking the engine apart most of the things that the engine was supposed to have weren't there. Turns out they are 882 casting heads, a 350 block from the mid 70's, stock gm crank, and its bored .040 over. The damage is, two cylinders are scratched pretty bad and will probably need a bore, the crank will need work, and pretty much just a total rebuild. My question is, do I work with what I got, find another sbc to work with, or a 5.3 swap. Like everybody I'm on a budget, I'd like to stay around the $1200 range. Can the 5.3 swap be done with this budget if the right deals are made or should I stick with an ol' sbc? Also, how hard is the 5.3 swap really? Some people make it look very easy and others look like nightmares? Let me know what you guys think.
Posted via Mobile Device