--snip--
The best defense against being ripped off
--snip--

So you can:

A) Find an old guy that may or may not be familiar with these vehicles, but
at least knew these system types (short-term solution);
B) Find a young(er) guy that's willing and hope he catches up before it
breaks you (who knows);
C) Get an engine conversion (mid-to-long term solution);
or
D) Do it yourself (long-term solution).

Currently I'm on (D), but I've decided to go to (C) augmented by (D).

If we each had a crazy French-Canadian in our neighborhood we'd be probably
be better off but certainly no worse off than the average Chevy driver, but
since that's not gonna happen, well...

I read these threads about mechanics and I wish there was some way to
convince people that 90% of this stuff is doable in the driveway, if they'd
just take the plunge.

Cya,
Robert