Well, this sux. So much for my 502...

[Kurt S]

If you are picking out the heads and they are supplying them, then staying the path seem reasonable.
Assuming you are fine with putting it together. I don't think I'd trust the builder more than that....

[HawkX66]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MosportGreen66</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dave, here is my take on the situation. Having worldly experience in getting lied to about engine internals, the only way you're going to get exactly what you want is to do it right yourself. The builder in this situation has yet to deliver on his word and I wouldn't trust him going further regardless of his promises. There are plenty of good guys on this forum who can help with procuring, sourcing and engineering an action plan to make your motor build happen. Look to the good guys for help.

Dan</div></div> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: earntaz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dave -- I don't know what intake you will be running but if you were to use the Edelbrock alum heads with the 100 CC (approx) chamber your compression would come up some -- flat tops are not a bad deal if matched with the right head.
Have to agree with Dan -- it really sucks when you're lead down the primrose path ... TAZ</div></div>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ban617</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What block did they use ? 454 ? Or 8.1 cause the 8.1 was a 496 stock I believe?</div></div> 8.0L 489ci. bored .020 to 494ci.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kurt S</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are picking out the heads and they are supplying them, then staying the path seem reasonable.
Assuming you are fine with putting it together. I don't think I'd trust the builder more than that....</div></div>

Thanks a lot for the responses guys. Yes, ideally I would have started with a fresh block, ordered the crank, rods, pistons etc etc that I wanted for the perfect build. That just wasn't realistic for me right now. Cost was and is a factor.
I did some thinking about it and you're right, the builder doesn't deserve trust or a second chance. Unfortunately I have a friend that's a middle man that I do want to give a chance to make it right. He's arranged for the heads and cam. I'm not dealing directly with the builder. Good thing because this story would have a very different ending... I now know what the bottom end is, so I'm not going in blind. Heads are easy to check out off a motor and the new cam is what it is.
As long as the heads are what they're supposed to be and the cam is spec'd to what I told him, I don't think I can go wrong still. I really don't think I could come close to building a big cubic inch motor for $2,500.00 like this is costing me. I've already put a lot of time into this making brackets etc. It's nothing to throw a cam and heads at it at this point.