OK guys, here is the apparently happy ending. This truely is a result of the individuals in the Southwest Forum who did not hesitate to "jump up to the plate" (I'm a Marlins fan ;-)) and provide sound advice, offers of assistance and resounding support. THANK YOU!!!!!
Jon's latest email:
Status:

Car should have been towed to Hundleyâ??s Garage. They had already located an engine and itâ??s on its way. They are going to replace the engine with a 12 month warranty for less than what Willeyâ??s was going to do the valve job. They did mention that the book quotes 17 hours to replace the engine which they thought was pretty high. The engine has been tested and certified. It has about 60k miles on it.

Thanks for all you have done. Getting turned on to Hundleyâ??s was the right thing. Express my thanks to all those that have contributed on CEG.

Jon Brems

Also, if I can ever be of assistance don't hesitate to contact me -- Bill (contour_r_us)