"Glenn Lyford" wrote in message
...
I want this to run right but money is a factor.

If you do end up deciding that it needs machining to flatten the block/
head, look into the cost of a junkyard motor instead ( car-part.com
etc.). I found that the price of a low mileage junkyard motor, an
engine crane, and a new clutch was cheaper than the cost to fix my old
motor. It took about a week to replace, working afternoons, not
including waiting for parts. Label everything, take digital pictures
if you can. I still ended up having to puzzle some stuff out due to
gaps in my notes.
--Glenn Lyford

To flatten a head, is less than $50 last time I did one a couple years ago.
Was about $150 with a valve grind tossed in. Chevy 4.3L V6.