Just in case anyone is wondering this was not my block but our friend that sold it to him had the work done by Eddie Hills Garage in Texas (the drag racer) I am told. I told Dean I would not use the block at all so that means the pistons are pretty much junk too even though they are new.
I think Deans options are to buy another FE block (428 or aftermarket) and use as many of the components as possible. The parts that were used are top shelf stuff and if they were used in another block would make a strong engine.
By the way don't buy in to much on that "not more than 5000 RPM" statement. I know Dean will be trying to catch me on the track in March or April and if he holds the engine down that much I will lap him in 15 minutes!!
He is far to competitive to let that happen.