engine replacement vs. camshaft replacement?

1987 Firebird formula 5.0

took it into a shop and the technician said I need a new engine, took it to another shop, and this technician said a new camshaft would be a quick fix. Theres a really rough knocking in the engine, but the engine only has 54,000 miles on it. $2400 for a cam job, or $3500 for an engine replacement.

what should I do?

Knocking from the engine? Doesn't sound like a cam to me, sounds like a rod or main bearing...Get a new engine.

ewww 2400 for a cam job might as well do it urself save a couple grand

Get a new engine and before it goes in do a cam job on it...lol best of both worlds

damn right..new engine..hell maybe a upgrade???