I got my motor for 1000 on the doorstep, but the hassles were getting an aftermarket ECU (big $$$ and now unable to engineer it) and then controlling the idle and SC clutch in a nice manner. Idle is difficult because of long inlet tract, SC clutch is difficult because the factory computer uses quite a complicated control for it.
The halfcut (or justy engine, loom and computer for that matter) will give you a much easier project. And better every day drivability.
Then again if you planned on going aftermarket computer anyway, it makes sense to get engine only.
Hen
PS, from my research a while ago you should be able to get halfcuts for ~2200-2400