Just had a read through this and couldn't let it slip. There is nohing wrong with 390 rods, they are a stout peice. The weak rods were on the smaller displacement FE,s. Can't remember exactly which ones without researching it but most likely 332, 352 & 360. Have a look at one next to a 302 rod, they are far superior. The only thing wrong with any of the FE rods in that length (390, 427, 428, 406, 410 all same length) is 40 year old metal fatigue.

WTF?

So basically its a possibility that the previous owner has his car back and a lazy 30odd k sitting in his back pocket too.
To say that my blood would be boiling is an understatement.

Ash - make a new thread in Off-Topic with lots of pics, rego, VIN, etc and we'll throw it on the home page.