Reaching out to anyone in the SoCal area who might be able to help me out with an engine rebuild (spun rod bearing). I'm going for the thriftiest alternative to my problem. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

Spun rod bearings are never a thrifty fix. You're looking at pulling the engine and more than likely, a complete rebuild. The crank will probably have to be reground, if the rod journal is thrashed. Obviously, the rod will have to be resized on the big end, not to mention all the debris that circulated through your lubrication system when the bearing failed. Sorry, there really isn't a quick fix for catastrophic failure. At the bare minimum, expect to shell out $600- $1,500 for a crank regrind, block machining, and all gaskets and bearings. Even if you go the budget route, and do a quick glaze braking rehone and use all the same components, new rings, bearings, and gaskets, you still have the same old engine, waiting for the next component to fail. I live in Orange County and could probably help you get through the rebuilding or refreshing stage for your engine. Don't hesitate to ask any questions before you dive in, and we can help you sort through this dilemma.

The thriftiest for any engine is do it the right way the first time and with a big block thrifty is not a word usually associated with them.

Yes I have been visiting shops in the area, and the quotes provided so far are in the 3k-4k range. I friend referred me to a "garage mechanic" which is asking for much less than that. This will be my first rebuild, so any information is much appreciated. Any info on exactly what parts to replace, which parts might be able to be reused, the extent of damage a spun rod bearing could do (as soon as I heard the knocking, I stopped driving), any any info related to my, unfortunately catastrophic issue. Also, what normally causes a spun rod bearing?

Thanks for all the help :You_Rock: