there isn't a chance that fella will be able to give you a V-8 swap for $3000, that combined with the "bobble rod" statement, convinces me the man has no idea whatsoever what he is talking about. RUN, DON'T WALK away from this person. If it is rod bearings, you might be able to remove a shim or two if the journal isn't too bad. I just did a 216, and I had an absolutely horrid time trying to find someone to do the machine work. Even the pretty much acknowledged best shop in town, messed up the head which caused three of the exhaust valves to stick, and took out the cam along with it after about 300 miles. Like the other fella said if it truly is a 54 engine, it will be full pressure to the rods with insert bearings, I'm not certain of the shims though...
