So Frustrated!

Well looks like you were given a lot of options. But the best way for you is a 318 out of a Salvage yard . the lower the miles the better. and make sure it is clean under the valve covers.

The reason I say 318 is your oil pan and all your parts will bolt back on . With a 360 you will be hunting for many parts to bolt it up you wont have. You can put your Cam , fresh Heads , Lifters if kept in order. and your intake on the motor you buy. without a cash flow you don't want to convert to a 360. they are a different animal and require more parts to install where a 318 came out. with out this knowledge you will get in over your head. Just some friendly advise from someone who has corrected many 318 - 360 installs for guys who didn't know. Your oil pan won't fit a 360 either. Nor the intake if you have a 318 intake port size. Just some things you wouldn't know to look for. And there is more such as balancing I won't get into. Steve