Where can I get a good deal on one? I see Teague has them but I should be able to get a better deal here in Michigan dont you think? Whats the standard bore? Is it the same as a 502?

One more thing ....who's machine work is better World Products or GM's ????Would you rather have the GM block or one from Merlin? The Merlin is already clearanced for a bigger crank right?

dyno, the GM block is a good one, but the machine work I have checked is better on the Merlin. The Merlin is heavy, though. Try Doug Herbert, Summit, Jegs, and [email protected] for good prices. I would try them all and bargain. Sometimes you get lucky. Also, try Merlin II. It has cast main caps instead of steel splayed bolt caps, but will do almost anything you want in a boat. Cost is le$$.
For a GM block, try Scoggin Dickey or get a car magazine and look for ads.

The bowtie block is a standard GM piece. I believe that it's CNC machined. Try some of the really good big GM dealers. Scoggan-Dicky comes to mind...

Summit is selling Merlins with a 4.490 bore 9.8 deck for $1845
Take to Perf Eng and get it decked to your pistons for $90, align hone for $105. Torque plate hone to your pistons for about $150 Assembly clean and cam bushings for $60 and your ready to go. Dont waste time getting a "already prepped" block. Its bull****. I bought the GM CNC "pro stock" block and paid extra to get it blueprinted anyway.
Just my .02
Dan

Agreed go with Merlin 2,, Or bow tie but merlin is alot heavier duty
and should last longer shop and some merlin 2's are 1400.00