John.
Take your block to a good machine shop that is not into turning out volume. I used Carbones' Machine Shop in Tulsa and they made all the difference in the world. Gessford is another great machine shop as is Southern Automotive and FE Specialist. These shops know the FE engine and what it takes to make one live and live well. Clearances are more critical on the FE engine than probably any other engine. I have had a poorly built engine and the one I have now that is BUILT RIGHT! I don't have over heating problems or oiling problems and I have plenty of power for the track.
I brought Carbone's Machine Shop a standard bore 428 CJ block and my Crank that needed to be cleaned up to .030 bore. Kent and Steve did a line bore, decking and squaring of all surfaces. Balancing of all rotating parts. Then they supplied new Speed Pro pistons and pins which were sized to each cylinder, new bearings, rings,
oil pump and pickup that were blue printed to my Canton
oil pan. In addition they provided all new gaskets, Crane solid lifter cam (572 lift & 232 Dur @ .50), new timing chain, plus they assemblied the whole thing for less than $2500.00.
When I brought my block to Kent I also brought my Eagle rods, Smith adjustable push rods, Sig Erson Roller Rockers, Edelbrock alum heads, MSD Dist, Edelbrock 2x4 med riser manifold, Edelbrock water pump, March pulleys, Carbs etc. plus my flywheel and clutch.
These guys are racers and know how to build an engine. So the point I am trying to make is choose your machinist carefully and don't necessarily go with the cheapest (it may cost you big sooner than later).
Good luck with you build.
Clois
I know this from experience