I had a block with a 2inch diameter hole just above the oil pan and just below the cylinders,(threw a rod) I dropped the block off to a shop in Punta Gorda(kinda far for you, but MORE than worth it) called sycaniese, they are a custom welding shop that make anything you want, they usually make tube frames for NASCAR/Indy/and some rare parts for the off shore boats and the drag boats that you see on TV even parts for NASA(no BS) , I paid like $55 for them to do the work and it was the best weld I have EVER laid my eyes on,(Butter baby, looked like jiffy spread
) The people there are really nice and down to earth, the owner told me when I was there,"If it can be welded, we can/will do it, "if you cant find it, we will make it, and if you can find it, we will make it BETTER." I thought it was kinda conseeded(my spelling sux
) but after I picked my block up, I told myself and all my friends that If I cant weld it, I would never bring it anywere else exept to them... The shop is about an hour-to any hour and a half from tampa, but its right off I-75. If you consider this let me know, I will get the info for you.. best of luck.