Welcome Chris. I am no help with what you are doing, but I found it a lot less cost to buy a complete wreck for engine, trans(if needed), and other bits. You will be surprised how many little bits you will need that cost from a wrecker. I was lucky to pick up a wrecked car for my LS1 conversion that we could also use bits for my daughters car, so win win all the way.
Can you pick up wrecked trucks over there cheap?