I myself have been convinced that "there is no replacement for displacement" I was doing the research to build one of the several 350s I have, but soon come to realize that the parts cost for doing a 350 is not that far off from doing a 455. Machine work is the same cost regardless, and the valve train is pretty much identical between the two. The only difference I have seen and it has been minimal is the cost of pistons and intake. And my car is only a Cutlass Supreme so its not like I'll be hurting the value as if it were a 442 or an H/O. SOOOOO I went out and found a good deal ($375) on a 1968 455 with C heads and THEN scored a 1974 or 5 455 for another $200 with J heads. So I see that as a builder and a donor block
OR a motor for sale to fund the 68 buildup....HEY...I may be on to something there... Anyway, I digress...I do agree with Tex...that site is the place to go for some good info and I too have heard not so good things about Mondello, HOWEVER I have recently run into a person that calls them on a regular basis and claimes to get great support.
Have fun...and keep us posted
John
Active Duty AF, in NC