Re: engines for the K
Why not rebuild one of the lumps you buy instead of just throwing it in as it leaves the junkyard?
This is the answer. And it's so cheap to do. I'm still in the camp of go back to a 2.2 (for turbo glory!). Make sure the oil passages are clean, put new bearings in, put a new water pump on. That will run you maybe $100 for parts. If you're ambitious get ARP head studs to replace the torque to yield bolts. Then just keep it cool.
Abandoned E36 Build
2008 Saab 9-5Aero Wagon
Retired - 1989 Dodge Daytona Shelby 2011-2015 "Lifetime Award for Lack of Achievement" IOE, 3X I got screwed, Organizer's Choice