Engine purchase recommendation

[ERA2076]

I have a Engine Factory 351w in my shop. A#7 rod cap stud gave in yield and took out everything from number 7 back including breaking the cam. The engine had just under 8k miles on it. I pushed it fairly hard, but nothing like what would be done on a track. My engine was a "Cobra Special" supposed to have made 400 hp based on a parts list Edelbrock built and tested - heads, manifold, carb. They do not provide full documentation of their build and they do not use high quality components e.g. cam?

Mine had a stock Ford bottom end with a .060 over bore and I was very disappointed. It was a weak build with little or know attention to detail like using high grade fasteners.

The documentation that came with my car shows the previous owner asked for Dyno sheets. Engine Factory stated the HP rating was based from copying an Edelbrock design and it would have cost additional to have it dynoed so the owner declined. Did it make 400?

I am now having an engine built which is not an inexpensive endeavor, but I get to participate in part selection and the builder dynos his stuff. My car is an FIA - had I taken a little more time on how to proceed, I may have purchased a Ford Racing 345hp 302 - bolt on a set of Webers - run the crap out of it and be happy. The price is very attractive and it comes with a warranty.

Engine Factory - boo for me.