New Member with a big question

Cope Racing Transmissions ( www.coperacingtrans.com ) has rebuilt stock 904's for less than 600. they are very nice people and do quality work.

I would take the engine out, clean it up and make sure everything looks good. If there is nothing obviously wrong with the metal parts (you should be able to see a blown intake or head gasket), I would put it back together and run it. If there is an issue, you can get a used 318 that will work in the time being for nearly nothing.