any issues with replacing a 2-piece rear main seal motor with a 1-piece, other than it won't leak anymore? Non I can think of, but have never done it. I despise the vortec valve covers, but this is a good motor. Could always use the spacers to allow original valve covers, but also double the leak potential (if the valve covers bother you like they do me). Anyway, I've gotta do this eventually too and am a bit torn between 1-piece and 2-piece rear main seals. No pun intended. There are 2 summit options for the 2-piece seal engine, a 195 and a 290 hp version that have the original style valve covers (I thought there used to be a 260 hp version??). Most folks seem to have been happy with those motors too.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/n...7353/overview/ and
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/n...9529/overview/ (note the 2nd is more expensive than the vortec though)
Sorry to hear about your engine lunching itself, that sucks. Any gauge indications noted leading up to the incident? I've chasing an oil pressure indication problem right now and it's driving me nuts (newer truck).