Dave,
The torque & bhp figures seem just a bit inflated, depending upon the cam specs, I would find figures closer to 350/350 more believable, this is because there is no mention of any performance work on the heads (larger intake valves, multi-angle valve seats, port grinding). The free shipping with "buy it now" seems like a great bargain.
If you go to their web store, you'll see they rebuild just about any motor, not just Fords, they are not a Cleveland specialist, or even a Ford specialist. So the details are going to be botched. For instance they used a high volume oil pump, whereas what is needed is a standard volume pump with the 90# spring. There's no mention of the heavy duty drive shaft for that pump, or double pinning the distributor drive gear. The status of the balancer has been omitted. If the harmonic balancer is a 30 year old stock balancer that's been painted black, that spells trouble, it should have at least been refurbished by Damper Dudes or a similar company. They don't mention what kind of bearings were used in assembly, the good stuff are the tri-metal Clevite 77 style, I would think if they used them, they would have mentioned that. There is no mention of what valves went into the heads either, a Cleveland guy would know that's important, that 1 piece stainless valves are a necessity. Some emphasis has been made that this is a "balanced" assembly, but what type of balancing has been glossed over. I would therefore assume it is NOT dynamic balancing. The brand of piston & type of timing set are omitted as well.
This is definitely an inexpensive price for a long block, I would say you would be getting what you paid for. I could see this motor serving good duty in a Ranchero, or a daily driver '72 Mustang hard top. This is not a Pantera motor.
My warning to anybody looking for an engine, is to shop for an experienced Cleveland builder, not price. Look for somebody who demands the best components. You'll spend extra bucks, but it will be worth every cent.
Your friend on the DTBB, George
