"...So how many $1500 blocks do you realistically think would be purchased?"
I don't have a clue.
But, from what I've read on this & other Pontiac sites, a good core block, and all the machine work required to do it right, will cost that same $1500, or more.
I'm not a machinist. So, I don't know what machine shop charges are. But I remember reading that Paul Carter does all sorts of stuff to a core block. Seems the deck has to squared with the crank, and possibly the main journals honed, oil passages & plugs done, etc, etc, etc. Just a guess that all this work, plus the cost of a good 400 core block would be more than $1500.
But, I'd like to see estimates from guys here who know for sure what is required & the costs.
Just for comparison, Butler gets nearly $4k for a ready to assemble shortblock kit. They sell the rotating assembly for less than $2k. So, they're charging over $2k for the machined block.
https://butlerperformance.com/i-2445...tegory:1234783
Len Williams charges $3800 for a 400 block stroker shortblock. So, I figure he's charging over $1500 for the core block & all the machine work.
http://lenwilliamsautomachine.com/455_Short_Block.html
So, I figure the guys who will pay these prices, would gladly pay $1500 for a brand new block, if the quality is equal to or better than an 40+ year old re-machined block.
Some of the old blocks won't stand any larger bore size. Some have lots of corrosion damage. Some have had lots of material cut off the deck, during previous rebuilds. Some don't have the correct holes needed for both 2 & 3-bolt motor mounts.
I just think a GOOD quality $1500 Pontiac block would sell & encourage some guys to go with Pontiac, rather than some sort of Chevy power. Will they sell as good as Chevy blocks ? Of course not. Will they sell fast enuff for a guy to turn a quick profit, no.
There have been lots of guys post that good Pontiac blocks do not exist in the area where they live. And, there are lots of old Pontiac guys that have hoarded up all the cheap Pontiac blocks they have run across, for the last 30 years or longer. These are, no doubt, 2 reasons why some guys have decided to go with Chevy power.