I finally decided the bucking under load up hills, oil consumption etc wa too much to bear so I researched new engines. Dodge would do it for a bit oer $5000. A couple internet sources with nationwide "cooperating garages" wanted $3000 or so. I took it to a shop about 25 miles away(closeset shop of any size) and they ordered me a long block from a rebuilder in Texas. Total out the door running like new (or better) with a few extras for no additional $ for the miserly sum of $1500 including tax.
Moral of the story is shop around. Secondary moral is the internet is sometimes a real convenient way to spend more.
[img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Pat [img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]