time for an update!!!!
about 11 yrs ago i took a 283 mtr into an engine reconditioners an got them to diassemble/clean and rebuild me a shortblock.they bored and put in new flattop pistons/ground the crank etc and i picked up a sparkling new shortblock assembly-knowing i wouldn't use it for awhile i coated it with gibbs lube abd sealed it in a plastic bag with some dissicant and stored it.
fast forward to 3months ago and i unsealed it an started assembling bits to finish it for the 28.
it was in great condition apart from alittle surface rust on the head mounting surfaces which i carefully polished off.