"Expert"- - - - -

"X"- - - - -an unknown quantity used in math calculations- - - - - -

"Spurt"- - - - - -a drip of water under pressure- - - - -

"Expert"- - - - -an unknown drip under pressure! You need to start looking for someone who actually knows what he's talking about. On the other hand, if your guy could find time to visit my farm, he could talk to my garden and save me a fortune on fertilizer! Ebay, among a lot of other places, is full of serviceable parts, at bargain prices. Also, the Chevy 230 and 250 was used extensively by Mercruiser Marine as their base engine for several models, and there are plenty of those things with very low hours in junked boats, if you're anywhere near a marina. There are plenty of those places in your area- - - -anywhere on the TVA lake system. 292s were used in combines and other pieces of farm equipment, and "Made in Mexico" engines were available brand new, at least until fairly recently, from farm equipment dealer parts departments.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!