Mike,
It’s the old, ‘slightly newer engine that’s unknown’ verses ‘the old engine that I have driven’ debate. I must confess that I have not priced anything up but how much can some bearings cost? Oh and piston rings...and a gasket set....yeh that’s about it.
In my defence, your honour, the Sierra only cost me £150 and it pulled really well with no smoke, I know that doesn’t qualify it as a good engine, but it’s a start, also I currently have no money as I have just spent £900 on roadster parts!
I see your reasoning though.