Take out my engine?, 74 2.0 wont' turn over Options

[papermaster]

Per the mechanic - states he has to remove the engine to pinpoint to the problem of

1974 2.0 L with a tune up by high performance house less than three weeks ago. Only noticed (the day before car finally died) was slight hesitation (as in sputter, and cough) when attempting to accelerate slightly.

Next morning after normally warm up - drive to bank and noticed (going up small hill) car had slight hesistation (2nd gear about 35 and attempting to give gas "slightly" to speed up to 45 posted limited the car acted as though either too much air or starving for fuel. Get to bank, shut off car. Attempt to restart no joy, starter is cranking and either (guessing) no spark or fuel to turn car over.

Have car towed to shop and originally told probably fuel pump or relay. Now after four days, they claim they'll need to remove the engine to fully pin point the problem.

Going to do a face to face with mechanic for more info As going to ask how did they rule out the problem of relay and or fuel pump but wanted to run by the group first.

Also can anyone recommend a good 914 shop in ventura county (live in Camarillo, CA - which is about 40 miles south of Santa Barbara.

TIA

5/13 - Update to the above

Talked to the mechanic in the shop (heavy Italian accent) and he states that the engine is getting spark and fuel. He stated it appears there is a problem with two valves being open which requires that he pull the engine so he can check the camshaft and crankshaft at a cost of $2400, but he say if we go this route, for 3K, he can rebuild my engine with a 18,000 mi warranty.

Can one really get a reliable engine for 3K?

Agains thanks everyone for the replies, learning a lot.