I called the machine shop that did my jetta machine work for me and some other stuff for me and other friends I sent over there. He recognized me by my voice, which says a lot since I am not a regular. Anyway, clean, bore, hone, check deck and if need be deck the block $250. Hunts wanted $400 for the bore/hone and $180 to check/deck if need be.
$1900 into a forged and rebuilt motor that will hold more than my poor 4l80 will (to start), I will take that as a healthy insurance plan from cracking a piston and taking out the block with the stock pistons.
Speaking of motor, heads, valves, and crank are getting hot tanked soon. Valves, seats, and crank journals are getting polished and checked this week too. Guides if need be will be replaced, and new seals are going on too. Yellows if johnny still has them for sale will be tossed in too.
With all that, still being damn close to staying on budget, I think its one healthy build.