Newb with a 225 needs assistance

The good news for you is people actually give running slants away for(brace yourself) free.

That would help me tremendously, though, I don't know anyone around here That would give away a slant. I checked prices for engines on the link earlier in the thread, and I can get a good slant/318 for $300-$400. I could do this, but I'd like to try local first. And, I want to confirm the engine is indeed toast first.