Help needed on buying a 351W shortblock.

[eddielugnutz]

Ok, So I went to a Ford dealer just for fun to go check out a price for a 351 shortblock. I've been looking at prices, and I see most places want about 1,300$ for a stock 5.0 shortblock,and about 1,700$ for a 351, I went to a few engine rebuilders, same deal and I don't trust them, I had bad experiences. So this dealer tells me 1,700$ for a 5.0, and 2,300$ for a 351, I laughed at the guy, he was perplexed so I showed him the prices of other places and he agreed he wanted a bit much.
I told him I was willing to pay no more than 1,000$ cash for a 5.0 shortblock and they refused. Then they told me they'd be willing to let a 351W shortblock go for 1,300$, I told them I'd be back after some research. Do you think this is a good deal? I don't think I could get one much cheaper. Even if I found a place with a cheaper price of lets say 1,000$ for the 351, it would still need to be shipped, so add on at least 110$ shipping, then tax because I can't pay cash to some place a state away and that's another 100$ or so, then if something is wrong with the motor I'd have to pay for shipping back, at least with this dealer there is no tax, no shipping,and if there is a problem I can take the motor back myself, right? I think it's a great deal, but I need someone elses opinions.

They say it's a 91 motor from a full size pickup, and that it is also used in a crown vic police package.they said it's all they got and I could try another dealer for a newer year like 93 or 95, but if there is no major difference then I'd be happy with this one, but I've heard that in 93 ford went to use the hypereutectic pistons, and that they do not handle power adders or drag racing well , So if I have a 91 motor, do you think they have forged pistons or cast? or was that only applicable to the mustang HO and all the truck motors used cast pistons?

Do you think it really matters if it is cast or forged If I'm only planning on making 350RWHP? I heard that the cast pistons will do fine in a normally aspirated motor below 400Hp.

I appreciate all your help.