OK, we have established that the engine must come out, no way around that.
Including taxes, duty and shipping it will cost me around $2300 dollars to purchase a short block
How long will it take to pull out and replace the piston once the engine is out. If I have cheap mechanic labour, this might make sense. Roughly $200 to hone the cylinder. Piston and rings are roughly $250.
Seems like I could save close to $1800 assuming that the diagnosis is correct.
If I am not keeping the vehicle, is this a better option?