The term "Re-Worked" is the problem inmost cases. I have said before, of all the engines that I have gotten from Tom Lay, that were what a lot of people would call "reworked", were just more of a dedicated set up and maximizing fits than anything else. Tom never retimed anything I got from him, just installed a venturi, checked bearings, made sure of piston/liner/piston ring fit. His venturis were restrictor style, which required the case to be drilled on some Super Tigers. He would heat treat pistons and rings for better wear and seal. But if you had just installed the engine in an airplane with factory venturi set up, and fed it proper fuel, it would have performed satisfactorily for most pilots. I have neve run a "reworked" LA.46 because I can get them to run well stock out of the box. Same with the LA.40 and the FP-40. The Hemi head is something that guys like, and it gives a certain sound to the run I think, but in of itself I don't think it's a game changer, but when used with some other changes it gives a satisfying run. I guess it depends on what you want out of the engine.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee