Engine blew, serious or not?

About a month ago my engine blew. I wasn't in the car, my brother was taking a friend to work when it happened.

By what I saw and heard, the bottom of the engine is where it blew. There was oil everywhere, and a large hole had been blown through what look like an oil pan. (I'll take pics when I get home.)

He said that when it blew, there was no warning sound or vibration/movement. He said that when it happened that it had happened all at once. A clunk followed by loss in power and oil going everywhere.

What I need to know is this; would it be cheaper to rebuild, or go for a used engine?

If it is shot I would just pick up another engine, but that depends on location/price.

Salvage yard engine is cheaper and easier unless you can find a cheap short block somewhere. Still, salvage yard engine is easier and quicker.

you can't really rebuild a damaged block with a hole in the oil pan, there is more unseeable damage in it. So you definitely need a used engine.

Found a guy on the forum with an engine for sale.:)

Thanks for the info, wish the hadn't happened in the first place.