As of late this afternoon, the noise was verified to be a 'rod tap'

TAP? Umm.. ok.. call it what you want.

Anyway, they were waiting for authorization to order the short block when I called in.

I was asked for oil change records... which I dont have due to only buying the VX seven weeks ago. They said they may have to charge me more if it is found to be damage due to neglect.
That part I was definitely not happy to hear about.

I was also told that I more than likely will have to pay for the replacement engine oil, and a timing belt, and possibly a few other 'incidentals'.

Estimated time to completion from delivery of the short block...
Week and a half.