@GIACUser, I can't speak for southern California but in New York City (where I'm from) and here in Tampa Bay FL., there are a number of engine builder shops that specialize in refurbishing engines to like new (or better) condition (like a crate motor) and swapping them into cars with blown engines. You get some credit for your core and instead of having your car laid up for an indeterminate period, your have it back in a week or so. This is the least painful alternative to your situation and it's guaranteed. Consider; time is money and the cost of DIY is sometimes not even worth it in the end. I've got to believe you have them there in So-Cal. JMHO.