My original l20b na from bluebird into 1200 sedan cost roughly.....

L20b+box/clutch+clutch slave/master+tailshaft etc (bought complete car) $50+$100 car trailer hire
New engine mounts x2 $50ish (bad memory)
Tailshaft modded to use 1200 diff flange and shortened/balanced $130
Camry radiator new $235
Manifold flange back exhaust 2" $220
Webber 38adm from xf falcon and adapter plate $100
Vl commodore throttle cable $30
Electric fuel pump from forklift from work $0
Add extra $200 for fuel line, steel for fabricating parts, rad hoses, clamps etc etc

Comes to TOTAL: $1100 ish

This ran a 16.7 at 79mph on a compressionless engine. Got another good engine for $250 from complete smashed car and sold the rest for $100. A $1500 dollar budget is doable if you can do the work. I estimate it took me 100 hrs to do the conversion (was my first one), its the labour that will kill you. Maybe 50-60 rwkw with fresh engine, webber exhaust, mild regrind etc.