well, I bought an engine core (type IV) yesterday. I think it'll provide some good parts despite being locked up. The whole thing wouldn't turn but when I took the valve covers off, the top looked really clean so I handed the guy the cash and took the engine home. We also stopped by the longest yard sale on the way home 

I pulled the heads off when I got home to see if I find the rusty pistons and cylinders.... nope those look clean. The heads looked brand new! I took the pistons off and was able to free up the rods on the crank. It appears that the oil/grease (the "keep it lubed until it runs and builds up oil pressure" lube) seized up the bearings. I have been PB blasting the mains trying to loosen them up.

I figure if I can't free the shortblock up, I can always pull Penelope's engine and slap the other P/C and heads on. Well worth the $180 I spent on it 

it turns out the engine code is GD! Now does someone somewhere have a sense of humor and is watching me now?

I split the case and found the mains were seized on the crank. After sliding em around and relubing them, they freed right up! The crank looks like it has seen heat before (blue and purple colors). I think I can slap this thing back together with a new gasket set and some cleaning up old (clean) gunk. It's very clear this motor has never been run but sat up after being rebuilt probably 10 years ago.

I know the one holding the oil strainer is no more than 9 or 10 inch pounds.

Nick, I have a Bug Me Video on the Type 4 with Jake Raby. They tear down and rebuild an engine. It's pretty informative, you can borrow it if you like.

heck yeah I'd love to borrow that video!

the crank looks substantial and I wasn't too worried about the paint markings; I'm worried more about the discoloration from heat.

any items I should consider replacing/buying to assemble the longblock? Special tools I might need or parts that don't have a shelf life?

No problem I'll get you the video at the next meeting or whatever.

So I found a fall back plan for my bus, just in case I can't get the engine and everything worked out eventually...(I haven't worked on it in months...). I could always find a front wheel drive vehicle and...

Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....................

That's just ridiculous.