dammit.
just found some damage on that engine block i had bought,
had been focussing on the innards, and not enough on the outside(which was very dirty).
one case half is missing one eye for a bolt/stud, and one strengthening rib.
Now i don't think this is a major issue, probably could build as is and not notice any ill effects.
But it's probably easy enough to fix for somebody who can weld Aluminium, so i'll probably get it fixed just to be sure...