[Tony Smith]

Welcome Toby!

I am familiar with your part of the country and some of the relic engines to be found around there (must be too far for the scrappies to travel?), but must say that I've never seen any Blitzes around there, (and you can see all the way to the trees on the horizon, eh?), but I guess they're well back off the roads. It's sounds like you're plugged into the local network though and must know where they're all hidden.

The Chev engine has an unusual lubrication system for the bottom end and the bearings are perhaps something your local engine reconditioner hasn't seen before. If the engine has seized due to a lube issue, the engine might not be re-doable ecomonically and you will have to hope the spare engine you have is of some use. Another option is to scout around and find a Chev Blue Flame motor which, besides the benefit of a slightly capacity, has a more convention bottom end and is more readily rebuildable locally. Pass the word around and get scouting.