My 2 cents...if cost is the main driver seek out a lower mileage takeout. There's a 2F with 172k on local CL for $250. My experience with budget rebuilds has not been positive. While that doesn't include a 2F specifically, I had a budget 22RE burn up in less than 10k miles. Unless you are sold on originality, stay as cheap as you can with used parts and save your rebuild budget for a V8 swap. I have a first gen vortec 5.7 in my 60 and it is an excellent pairing with stock gearing and 33s. The power and drive ability of the SBC versus a 2F is nothing short of dramatic. That being said, if you do a swap no reason to not go the LS route. Good luck!
