You already have the story on Recon, large volume builder has more chances for error. Unless you have heard the engine run or can trust the PO, the engine needs to be checked out. The minimum I would do is a compression check. I bought a 292 with supposedly 10k on a rebuild. I did a compression one cylinder very low. Pulled the head and found a score down the cylinder an inch wide. Bought a 350 from a trusted source, did a compression check, it was reasonable. Checked the cam lift, because early sbc are suspect, bad cam. Replaced cam, engine runs like a top. I bought a 63 C20 with an Olds in it. The PO had bought the engine out of yard, pulled it down and checked all the clearances. When I bought the truck it supposedly had 300k on it. Your choice and watch out for Murphys Law. :^)
Larry
