A rebuilt long-block from a chain parts store or ordered from Jasper or Recon engines might end up being easier and more economical than doing the rebuild yourself.
A rebuild kit for an engine is roughly half to 2/3 the cost of a rebuilt engine, then you have to add in machine work, any other parts needed, and labor if you don't do the work yourself. An engine from a major rebuilder can actually come out to be a lot cheaper.
It's up to you as to which way to go, you can use loan-a-tool programs from chain parts stores, a good repair manual, and a clean workspace and just buy the parts and save yourself all the labor except a machine shop if you think it's something you want to do for yourself.
__________________ 1976 Ford Mustang II Ghia: 302 with a 600cfm Edelbrock carb, Edelbrock Performer 289 intake, Dynomax Blackjack headers, 2.5" exhaust with Flowmaster Super 44s. RJS 11-gallon fuel cell, C4 tranny, chrome 16" pony wheels, fuzzy dice, brown vinyl half-top, and painted in the tackiest color ever (harvest gold, that's why I call it "The Goldenrod").
Also have a 2003 Dodge Ram (lightly modded daily driver/tow rig/office/dining room/home away from home/workshop... I call it "The Big Blue Dawg".) | 
rebuild or replace 
