Merc engines are pretty easy to find for 3-5k...
Interesting, I was under the impression Merc motors would be more costly.
In your experience do they usually weigh more than an aluminum V8? Do they have be mounted higher (how about dry sump)? Aside from an exotic exhaust note do they have paramount advantages over LSx motors? I am curious because regardless of going RCR40, SL-C, 917, and even 962, I have not been able to sort out a motor (NA, FI, V8, V12, etc...)