Well that was a fast project.
I got a call from the shop today .. engine failed pressure test on one side of the block near the ... crap, I forget. I think he said oil pump. I was kinda distracted when he said it failed that I didn't really listen to the rest of what he was saying. So its no good. I am going to go take a look at it on Monday so I can see it in person.
On the flip side, he has an 'older' block that he can put together a long block for me instead. It is already .030 bored and 'was showing signs of wear' so he'll have to take it to .040. Also, he wants to put in a 347 stroker kit, something about it being easier/cheaper to find kits for it.
I was feeling good about using these guys for my work, but todays phone call really put me back into the beware mode. It was nice of him to suggest a block that he had (obviously wants to get rid of) but his instance on putting a 347 kit into it even after he and I talked about me wanting a 331 motor just didn't sit right with me. He is going to work up prices for his block with both the 331 and 347 kits installed, and I'll make up my decision from there if I want either ... or none at all.
Ok, so first off is .040 on an older block with thicker walls 'safe'? Is there really that much reliability differences between the two stroker kits? ... Should I just break down and start looking for another block to start anew?