There is a lot more material added with the custom decks though.
Please don't hesitate to jump in and add knowledge to this discussion.
Since we're discussing budget builds with a little extra wisely spent, take another peek here:
http://www.iwsti.com/forums/built-motor ... udget.html
What's intriguing is that the author of that post has come to a similar conclusion to mine.
If the bores are in perfect shape as regards the honing then simply dropping in forged pistons is the go.
Stage before = heads off/new HG/head reco etc.
If good bores = drop in pistons
Stage after/bores no good = crack the cases do the lot according to budget if any...
At this point the crate engines start looking like a great deal

I promise.!! What im thinking is this.