I had looked at buying a new/rebuilt/used engine. Used were running $1850, and new/rebuilt were $2350. I did find some used on the net, for around $600, but no garauntee they were in better shape than the one I had. I agree that the $17-2000 the dealer quoted me was expensive. The first time it was just as bad, but I had more money than time at the time. The second time around, I had more time and I wasn't willing to pay the dealer. Considering what the dealer wanted, and what I spent doing it my self, I got a far better deal than even buying new. The bottem end of the 3.0 is virtually indestructable(providing you keep the engine well maintained), so there wasn't really a need for me to buy a complete one. My total cost was about $1817, I spent another $200 on the exaust. Without the headers and the O2 sensor, the cost would have been around $1200. Here is part list and what I spent.
Complete heads rebuild,
new head bolts,
complete gasket kit $755.63
Injectors rebuilt $210.00
Downey Headers $343.72
Downey X-over pipes $170.59
Knock sensor $127.52
Timing belt $31.40
Water pump $82.29
Oxygen sensor $96.02