[turnpike boy]

20% failure rate..........wow. Wonder what happened.

Can't speak to any other, but I bought a Ford crate 302 and have put nearly 9000 miles on it without any issues whatsoever. It is the 302/345, B cam. Starts immediately, runs excellent and is carbureted. $2900 delivered to my door. As mentioned before, the early 392's had piston troubles but seem trouble-free since the change to forged units.

Alternative might be to get a custom shortblock from the many builders out there and some good heads; pretty easy to put together, even for a novice.

Just remember, with ANY engine, to prime it extensively before you go to crank it up.