[Mister Pontiac]

That seems like a fair price for the stated condition for the complete engine and trans. Maybe see if he'll take $1500?

If you do buy it, re-list the trans to see if you can get a couple hundred back. Maybe you end up with a complete running 400 for around $1200-$1300? Hard to argue that if it's as described and you can drive the car that way for a few years. (He did mention he wishes he would have stuck with this engine in his car. That says something)

But you're right. It's not the most desirable block. Still, for what you're doing, it would fit the bill very well. If it's as good as he states, I would just drop it in without doing a thing to it, and then drive! Let the rear main leak a bit. At least the car will be back on the road in a weekend if everything else is ready to roll.

Of course this is only what I would do simply to get the car quickly back on the road. If that's not your main purpose, and you want something a little nicer and 'more correct,' spend the time to search for a 1971 400 or 455, build it as you desire, then call it done. My only thought is that is a lot longer in time and dollars vs buy something like this 400, drop it in and go!

You can always build that perfect 455 a couple years down the road, then sell off the 400...