Did you see it?
Normally when someone claims this, it's very serious as it's hard to lie around.
A hole in the block generally means that a piston rod went through it, and the evidence is extremely clear.
I would take a good look for a used engine. That's not that old, and you might find a write-off somewhere with a decent engine in it.
Unfortunately, I don't know if the 96 engine would fit in the 98, but 'rodeo02' may know, as well, a posting to planetisuzoo.com may be worth it too.
Steve