Alternatives for seized engine - VR4

[napervr4]

I am new to this forum. I live in Naperville and my 1994 VR-4 (85,000 miles) has major engine problems. I have had it for about 8 years and love it Driving to work and the check engine light came on (me thinking some sensor needs resetting) but about 15 miles later the engine quit. I did not notice the temperature gauge was high but it did overheat and would not start. Maxsun Mitsu in Aurora (a 3000GT racer had told me that shop was OK) has it apart. First identified a blown water pump, leaking radiator and ruined timing belt. As they working on that they found that the crank bolt has seized and I am probably looking at a new short block, etc. Don't have an official estimate but the guestimate of $8000 has me thinking of alternatives:

1. Fix - stock
2. Fix - with some engine enhancements or rebuild precision that makes it a stronger performer - not going overboard. Perhaps setting the foundation for future mods.
3. Sadly say goodby.

Money is a concern.

My questions:
1. Who would be a good engine builder in Chicago area to talk to about options there?
2. What kind of market would there be for my car if I were to decide not to fix it?

Thanks for any suggestions.