I would gladly pay that for an engine, but like I said, I have been scouring salvage yards in several different areas. Nothing out there. The ones I have found are through Cousineau Auto. They were fairly reasonable up until about a month ago. Unfortunately I was traveling and unable to secure an engine at that time. Now there prices have sky rocketed.
I will take a look at car-parts.com.
Thanks.

 

I would advise a new timing set on a used engine anyway. So Unless your engine is actually misbehaving I would just do compression/leakdown and throw a timing set on.

I don't recall any reports of engines breaking other than chains and valves and head gaskets in the last 10 years here. Sounds like you are looking for a project; I know that feeling but it gets darn expensive.

 

No not exactly looking for a project, but want to keep this vehicle running for a long time. Already put in timing set and did head gasket about 40K miles ago. Engine was just fine up until about 2 months ago when it started using a lot of oil. Using about a quart every 300-500 miles, so for me it's about a quart every week. Also has lost some power, so I'm guessing rings. Did a compression test and all cylinders are at 190-195.

 

That is really good compression, would suggest that it's not the rings. Probably valve guides, or an external oil leak.

 

It's been a mystery to me. There is your average external leakage for a vehicle with 190K plus miles. don't thinks that's where it's going. I've looked at the plugs, and it doesn't look like it's burning it either. only time you can actually smell the oil is at start-up after the engine is hot. Never when it's cold. Could very well be the guides.

 

If it's burning, your cat isn't going to last long. Maybe a new head.

Maybe an external leak onto the exhaust.