I put a post here 3 mo. ago about 6K for a 5.7 rebuild. Well after waiting a month to get it into a recommended shop and an additional 2 months shop time, I got our boat back with 3K to spare. Exhaust was fit improperly (don't know by who) and leaked water/hydrolocked. The motor was freshened up with some new parts and machine work. ANOTHER new starter, new water pump, and a loose fuel line connection (at the tank). Taking it out Wednesday. Can you believe the boat was as spotless when I got it back as when I dropped it off?! Thanks for all the input fellas.

Good luck, I hope she runs well.

Last year I was in the same boat, spent the whole summer rebuilding engine and 7k less. Just to have it blow again the beginning of this summer. Wasn't going to do that again. Ordered a new Marine 502 crate in the the beginning of April and 5 days later had at my door and installed 2 days after that. And only cost me 5k. Live and learn. The stress factor was the biggest payoff. Well at least you live in Az. It summer time almost all year around.