[Jack21]

Agree that the SVO crate 393W is not a bad deal, but if I have to change the cam and heads in addition to buying the crate motor, You might as well build the motor the way you want it from the start and not have any expensive parts left over. Get the short block less cam from SVO, or get a machine shop to build you one. You can even specify a '74 or older core be used for registration as an over 25 year old car. Machine shop block core charge is $150 - $200 if you don't bring your own.

I'd argue that a used, well seasoned block is preferable to a new one. It has been heated and cooled hundreds of times, and isn't likely to dimensionally change while you own it. Most performance machine shops today use torque plates when they bore the engine to simulate head bolt torque distortion, and some even run hot water through the block to simulate the engine at operating temperature while boring and honing.

Still argue for having engines built locally unless you live out in the boonies and can't get good service locally. Something exotic, where I needed a specialist, a 427SO, or something machine shops don't see every day, sure send it off. But that's what performance machine shops do. They build hot rod engines for guys like you and me.

Don't get me wrong, I have my Ford SVO catalog as a reference too, but a lot of what Ford sells at a dealership can be had through the discounters for a lot less money.