[superchevy]

If the engine indeed has thrown a rod, it sounds to me like the easiest, cheapest, fastest route would be to swap the Nova's 350 into the truck. I don't know if it is as powerful as the current truck engine, but if the performance is OK to you, swap it in. Swapping engines is MUCH easier and waaaaay cheaper than attempting a first-time engine rebuild.
Get a Chilton's or Hayne's manual. Rent or borrow an engine hoist. Call over a couple of buddys to help, and you could swap them in a day...definitely a weekend. Pull the Nova motor first, and clean it and detail it so it will look good when you get ready to swap.
After you get the truck engine out, then you can investigate having it rebuilt how you want or you'll know how to swap that new crate motor in when the time comes.
Keep us posted here and ask questions; SC.