500 hp Small Blocks vs $$$$$$

I'm not sure about the article. I can't find it online so maybe it's brand new. But... When a single builder is "in charge" of a build they have a certain path they follow in everything. It's far easier to get power when "the party" is hosted in one place. Ryan does some excellent work and has way exceeded those figures before. Hughes has too. Indy... I wouldn't trust indy to sell a 5 horse Briggs and Stratton that actually made 5 horsepower. I'm sure they get some stuff out of the shop done right and making what was claimed. But none I've ever had experience with (granted, limited exposure but read enough and you'll find "isolated incedents" are not really that isolated). There are plenty if ways to make power. Magazine builds are sponsor showcases first and foremost, entertaining second, informative third. You start combiing "donated" sponsor parts and strategic partnered dynos and you get some weird takes on reality. If they used a new block, they spent a big chunk on the block that some might say they didn't need to for that horsepower level. but they may have planned more for this engine's future that made the expense needed. Or someone gave it to them...lol.