Need info/engine+tranny in a bit (eagle)

["Greg Z" <letters57@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think I am going to be looking for a fair sized V8 in the near future.  My
engine seems dead, and my baby looks like she's going to be a project for a
while.  Figured since I'm rebuilding an engine, maybe I'll do a V8 swap
while I'm at it (though funds are LOW at the moment).  I know I'll need
custom motor mounts (BRIEN, I NEVER DID HEAR ANYMORE ABOUT THOSE???) and
it'll be a bit of work, but when isn't fixing a siezed engine.  I'm in
Michigan thumb area (Lapeer), and actually already have anoffer to sell me a
304 w/ a 727 (can I pull off the output and drop on my tx-case?) for $500
downstate iirc.  But I'd really like to  larger, I think the 360 is the
biggest that will fit.
    The other option is, of course, rebuild my 258, figure since it'll be
out and I have headers for it already; all the other integral components are
already there too.  Probably have it bored a touch and maybe head decked a
little,so it goes together solid .)... So I'm not sure...
    Either way, I have a GM TBI throttlebody (4.3L - difference is
injectors) and a Megasquirt (nice, look them up if you can build
electronics) ECM that were about to go in, so the carburation difference in
years on V8s is irrelevant.  I don't know much about the V8s, so you might
be able to give me some help on deciding there too..

So, here's the story:
    All along my engine has seemed to cook off a little oil; when I needed
to add oil at a gas stop (on long trips) there was always a bit if oil steam
or smoke in the valve cover.  For a while, my oil consumption has been
slowly getting worse;  but I figured it was due to the leaks in the valve
cover and the oil leaving into my air filter.  Well, after I went up north
and back, it ran rough for 1 trip, and then wouldn't stay running, but it
sounded like a timing issue to me (I've had worn rod bearings before).  So I
adjusted the timing and got it to stay running, well after a few secmds, I
noticed smoke/steam coming from the engine (it's very windy at my new house)
so I shut off and dumped a quart of used oil in (it was a touch low and to
cool it).  I then attempted to restart my engine... nothing but a high
pitched electric whine.  So I tried to turn it oner manually... only
succeded in tightening the pulley bolt.  BAD SIGN.

THANKS FOR ANY HELP,
-Greg Z
-again w/ an '86 AMC EAGLE paperweight, probably going to be stored covered

on the driveway, or in the garage