VX engine swap

[disasterlady]

sooo, does anyone know what the best replacement engine is for my 99 VX 3.5 v6? came off the freeway this weekend with a knocking that grew louder by the moment... got it to my mechanics who hasn't opened it up yet, but thinks it's a rod, oil was black, knocking incredibly loud from engine. so sad, I want to replace with same engine but newer and without mods unless these engines are not good to begin with and a different engine would be better? Mechanic doesn't want to do a rebuild and his estimates would cost about $2k- $2.5k for rebuild. I heard GM is buying these engines now... anyone know what one would work for the VX?

Please if anyone has done this and had good results, please let me know? I don't need opinions that aren't tried and true. =]

You guys rock with the help.... thanks
I intend to keep my VX for life.

[tomdietrying]

Listen to Atilla. There's a guy out in Austin that put an Axiom engine in his VX. Use the search button because there is a write up somewhere. Also, BigMeat just put a 5 speed in his VX recently. Again, use the search button to find the articles on it.
Peace.
Tom