If you get desperate I have a cp4 with around 70k on it, pay for shipping and it's yours. They didn't want it for a core when I put the cp3 in.
You say the cost of parts is you biggest hurdle. But you turn down the idea of a cp3 conversion. Do you really want to go through this again after putting in a used cp4...
if the pump is from a 2013 or later with lower miles, i wouldnt worry about the CP4. its the pre 2013 stuff you have to worry about.
All high pressure lines need to be replaced
is it true that if I just buy a post 14 cp4 I should be as good as a cp3 and thus not need the conversion?
yes, CP3's die. its not like they are bullet proof. the newer CP4's follow along the same path as them