Joe, When I took possession of my 73 Pantera project we found that the block was already bored 0.030 so decided to leave it as is and pursue other options. After much research I selected an alloy block offered by Ford Performance https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-6010-Z35192 . I chose an alloy block for weight savings only. There were other possible alloy block options that always seemed to be "just around the corner". I didn't want to wait an indefinite amount of time.
The Ford alloy block is similar to the Fontana block. I don't know who makes it for Ford but cast into the block is "Made in the USA" and the Ford logo. Like the Fontana it's a Windsor outside with Cleveland crank dimensions. It has revised oiling. It is available with a 9.2" or 9.5" deck and is finish bored to 4.125". I chose the 9.2" deck height and Cleveland style heads to build a short deck Clevor to minimize fitment issues. After the machinist and I inspected it after arrival we were both impressed with the block. From what we could see it looked well engineered and the casting looked high quality. chose a 3.75" stroke crank for a final displacement of about 401 cubic inches. Everything pertaining to the block worked out without issues. The only real challenge was the limited selection of EFI intake manifolds available for a short deck (9.2") Clevor. I think there are more options for a 9.5" deck Clevor.
The Ford blocks are great options unless the build must be Cleveland all the way.
