gsr troubles

Newbie here. Just need some help. I've owned this 96 gsr since it rolled of the lot new. Used to do alot of commuting and I now have 168,000 milesnon it. Well its been trouble free until recently. The harmonic balancer came loose and the key-slot on the crank was damaged. Anyway I'm looking for options. noone in my area wants to touch replacing the crank or doing a rebuild. They all tell me that it would be way cheaper to do a motor swap. I don't know if they are just not qualified to repair/rebuild it or it would be faster/easier money to to the swap. I sure can't find a gsr engine less than 3,000 for a jdm and approx 1800 for a rebuilt longblock. There is nothing wrong with mine other than burning a little oil and leaking some as well (normal for the miles on mine). I want to know some options. Like rebuilding what I have and building it up some so i can do some add-ons later when the cash flow is better. I'd like to keep this a daily driver but give it some attitide. I have no problems upgrading to a newer or better engine. I want to keep it n/a now with the ability to go fi later when the money is flowing better (too many hobbies and a house to keep-up) want to keep this 300 hp or less and want to start-off small and add to it as a learn. I just want to keep from adding things then removing them for other upgrades (baby-steps forward, never back-steps).

Anyway, I'm in the Chattanooga, TN area. I have no problem taking this thing to Nashville, Knoxville, or Atlanta if needed to get a quality reasonably local build. Just can't justify $300.00 shipping each way to send it off, when that can be used on performance upgrades. Any advice or help is appreciated.

If you are going to have it repaired, might as well get new pistons,like type r pistons.They will increase your compression and stop burning that oil.It will cost about $250-300 for pistons and rings.