Here in New Zealand we seem to have cornered the market in early TBF Avengers with no less than four survivors from the 48 we operated during the war. Two major museums have resorted examples (Air Force Museum in Christchurch with NZ2504), Museum of Transport and Technology in Auckland has NZ2527). The Gisborne Aircraft Preservation Society own NZ2505 which was sent up to the Classic Flyers Museum in Tauranga to be restored to ground running condition. This will be returned to Gisborne after a few years but recently they acquired NZ2539 which is you follow this link was almost a goner after many years sitting outside!
http://rnzaf.proboards.com/thread/25553/grumman-avenger-nz2539-classic-flyersPlan is to get this one back to a similar state to NZ2505 namely a running engine and taxi condition. They are still seeing what was in inside storage with the project but doesn't seem to have a complete engine (so far NOS crankcase and crankshaft)
If I understand correctly the R2600-8 engine is pretty rare now and being on a budget they won't be looking to spend big dollars on an engine. My thoughts were trying to find enough usable parts suitable for running only to build one up.
My question is is there any commonality between the -8 and the later -20 used in the TBM-3 series Avengers? And there a go to guy or company they could talk to. Having been on the restoration team for NZ2504 I have a real soft spot for these aircraft and really want to see them succeed (again with the second one!)