External oil pump pickup pan mod...?

That's the main reason I'm researching the best way to install the pickup - I don't have the bucks. Besides, I think the Milodon stuff, although very nice, is a bit too expensive. The pan is around $250 and the external kit (the "cheap" one) is around $270 - and that's without a pump. I just feel the external setup is better but not if it costs an arm and a leg..... The 7qt pan I purchased was $80 and wanted to use the 440 Source external pump kit (with pump) that's $200. Thank you for your help.
cool, a guys gotta do what he`s gotta do.