I'd like to add my 2 cents here, since my 427 short block was a speedomotive product.

I ordered a 4-bolt main 427 with a fully forged rotating assy and specified exactly what parts I wanted. They called me back to let me know that they had 454 4-bolt blocks, but no 427's. I agreed.

My crankshaft is a forged GM 427 crank. My rods are forged GM pinkrods that I had shotpeened and polished. My pistons are TRW forged. I specified the best bearings available. I asked for all ARP fasteners and ARP main studs on the 4-bolt mains. I asked for zero gap rings. And I asked for the honing to be done with a torque plate. I got everything just as I asked for, with part numbers on the receipt.

I had asked them not to build it, as I wanted to myself, but it came in built. I checked the clearances and everything was right on tolerance, so satisfied, I buttoned it back up. The block was obviously hot tanked and cleaned up perfectly. They even painted the lifter valley to optimize oil return. The clearancing on the pistons was cut to my exact specifications. I checked the piston to valve clearances and it's perfect.

I am not doubting the lack of quality control that others have experienced, I'm just saying that I did not. My short block ran about 3 grand, which is about what I expect from all the quality components that I specified.
I think in my case, I ordered an engine specifying exactly what parts I wanted, which was provided, and the short block required special machining and balancing. So special care and attention was necessary.

I hope I don't develop a rod knock in the coming miles, but if I do, I am prepared to pull the engine and go through it myself, which I would have preferred to do anyway.

My advice would be to specify exactly which parts you order and don't let them decide. Then ask for the rotating assembly. If they assemble it, at least check the torque and clearance specifications...that takes just moments on an engine stand.