Roland,
Please keep us up to date. I think I can speak for everyone here at CC, in that we will offer any and all help that we are capable of. Now having said that, there may be some opinions out there that you won't want to hear. Just try to keep things in perspective.
My only advice right now would be to trust your "friendly neighborhood mechanic" - but only so far!
FE engines are a breed of their own, and need to have people that are experienced in them doing the work, otherwise you might end up paying double or more. There are plenty of stories documented here in the FE forum. Let him tell you what he found, but think twice before letting him do any work. Just my opinion!
GOOD LUCK,
TL
