[HO455]

Took my sad story and broken stuff to the machine shop today. They are going to tear both heads down and inspect and get back to me on Tuesday. As far as the " Budget Build" this local machine shop sells rebuilt Chevy long blocks for $1500 plus core. They don't provide an oil pump at this price. Not being naive I know that this means not every part is new but I have low requirements for the engine.( Plus being local I can drive down and talk with them. That's the number one reason I didn't go with one of the many crate engines available.) I expect it is better than some of the engines I built in the trunk of my car back in the day. I can't speak at this time as to parts were used. I do know that it has a Melling cam (CCS2) which is a copy of the old 300 HP 327 cam and the head gaskets are Victors. I will say I generally have more confidence in used GM parts than lots of new overseas parts.
Thanks to everyone who replied. I will post more as I know more. Still undetermined at this point is the source of the oil from the original fouled plug. If they don't find something in the head I may fabricate a plate to bolt on the cylinder and do a sort of leak down test before I have to pull the short block.