[Zenith]

I recently purchased a '73 Pontiac Ventura 350 4-door that was in seemingly good shape.

Hah!

Did a dry, then wet compression test confirming I had 20psi in the #6 hole, but consistent results in all the others. So I had a leakdown test done!

All cylinders, aside from #6, were leaking 30-50% into the crankcase. #6 is going straight into the exhaust valve at 90%. She still runs, eats about 1 quart of 10w-30 per-1000 miles. Going for 20w-50 until I can fix this issue.

So now I have to decide...and this is why I come to PY...What is my best course of action? The motor has a nice Edelbrock carb and intake, but there's nothing else I care to save from this motor. Do I...

1. Have it rebuilt. No idea on what that would cost.
2. Find a rebuilt Pontiac
3. Screw it, put a non-Pontiac in it. No idea how easily a Chevy 350 would fit in here, but it would be easier to obtain...
4. ???

I can't, or won't, put this vehicle out of service until the rainy season ends. It's my only mode of transportation, aside from a bicycle. By then I may have $500-$1000 set aside, but who the hell knows.

What do you more experienced gentlemen say?