I was reading through this thread waiting to see if anyone set u on the easy track but I see one guy did. I was doing some research on what it cost to rebuild a chevy 4.3 and the prices are just about the same and in some instances less for the 350. the difference in the cost of a reman engine, is often just about the cost of the rebuild, if you are doing it your self.
with an engine of suspect condition, that seems to have had questionable maintainence, i would not be supprised if the condition of the water part of the block is in a bad way too

, so it may be an overall saving to just buy a reman engine. and with a reman you get a warranty which you are unable to build into yours
At least that way you start off with a casting in good good condition and could do your maintainence to keep from having stupid overheating problems after rebuilding a rusted out block.
Guy with a boat near mine actually rebuilt his engine and then found what appeared to be some porosity in the block and had to end up doing a second rebuild with a fresh block, cost him way more, he almost went to a reman instead of the second rebuild, but the mechanic worked with him to reduce the cost.
depending on where you are there is also the posibility of impropper winterizing too, and unless u are like me and dont need to know what that means, im sure u know where im heading......
My advice at this point is buy a reman engine and start fresh
note it seems cheaper to rebuild at first glance. but if u done it in cars check everything, and u will see.
No Fuss