[blykins]

Well, since Rabotnick threw his money in the cup, I'll toss my penny in too.

There are several build details that put the FE in a class by themselves. In my opinion, the typical Chevy engine builder couldn't just grab a handful of FE parts and spit one out.

Once you find a builder that is very familiar with FE's (prep, machining, and especially assembling), then I would ask yourself the usual questions that you would ask when purchasing any flavor of engine.

*Is the builder reputable enough to install the parts that he said he was going to install. i.e. Is he going to say that there are brand new Scat rods in the engine, but then install some el-cheapo brand? Is he going to over-inflate the dyno numbers to sell horsepower?

*If something happens to my engine that is the builder's fault, is he going to stand behind it? This generation of "internet engine builders" have a very tough row to hoe. Word travels extremely fast over the internet and if one person gets taken to the cleaners, everyone will know in a short period of time. If you can find an FE builder that has a good internet reputation, chances are (there are some exceptions) that builder will be a very straight shooter.

*If I have a question, how hard is it to contact the builder/shop? Do you want to wait an hour, or do you want to wait 2-3 days to get an email response or a return phone call? There's a fine line between quantity and quality. We all want to stay busy enough to pay the bills and be comfortable, but when we get too busy, customer service and quality can suffer.

Again, once you get past the builders that actually don't have any knowledge of FE engines, I would use basic common sense in making a decision. You took the first step by asking for others' opinions in a venue with a lot of previous engine buyers. That's a very good way to find out who's who...