castyman,
Don't be pressured. I was working 12 plus hour days plus a 4 hour commute and had my oil changed at a Valvoline Lube shop and the filter was faulty and delaminated inside and would not by-pass oil. 5:00 am on the way to work it failed about 20 miles into my 64 mile commute and starved the engine of oil. Wiped out two rods #1 and #2 and smoked the bearings.....
I was having the same kind of thoughts as you. Once I came to my senses, I pulled the motor and sent it out for various upgrades listed below. Thanks to the folks on this site with some their great advice I built a super motor for torque and mileage. It's been two years and 55,000 miles ago now. I look back and it was the best thing I could have done even though I had little extra time. By doing some of the work myself I saved alot. So hang in there.
That is a pretty sweet car you have. Fix it up!
Click on the red link below and you can take a look at mine. Getting her ready for some paint.
