Griff 500 Engine info anyone?

[Esprit]

Hi all. I'm in NewZealand and looking at importing a TVR Griffith 500 engine to use on a little project of mine (don't ask, it hurts my wallet when I'm forced to answer!)
What can I expect to pay for one secondhand etc? I'll be building it for the road and not using Cats (that sorta crud ain't needed over here).
What sorta things shoul dI look for for a good one? I'll either get a shigher mileage one and spend a few quid reconditioning her when she's over here or I'll spend a little more and get a fresh(ish) one... what's better a Serp or Pre Serp? Are the blocks the later cross-bolted rover type or do they just use the 2-bolt mains (SD1/Vitesse) spec block? Any word on which years to look for as being any better than any others? I'm currently saving up and it'll not be long before my wallet bursts open at the seams and I'll have to spend the cash on an engine

Your help much appreciated.

Cheers

George

[Esprit]

Dod, yeah I am allying the 7 with the Griff 500. I'm not simply dropping it in either, it's as a part of a total rebuild that's if anything going to focus on chassis more than the engine. The TVR engine is expensive yes, but not as expensive as building a 5.0L Rover V8 over here. Getting a S/Hand griff engine's actually CHEAPER than building a similarly specced RV8 from a donor range rover engine and going from there..... unless I'm missing something here.
Theree's nothing wrong with running the live rear axle as I've seen 340bhp in racing TR7s go through that very same axle on the track and on the road with various TR7s and they've generally been a fantastic handling car. I'm an engineer and by nature love "improving" things and believe me it won't just be the engine.... this is more than just a flash in the pan... I'm building my baby!