I don't know a Joel Avery, but i have lot's of fellow racers in North Miss. that may know him, i in fact have a residence up there myself. Looking at the ad i donot see where it says 400 mains, so it must have been verbal. Not taking side either way, but you didn't say what was blown up on the motor :?: I will say that a Dart lil M block with billet mains goes for about $2300.00 depending who you buy it from. Also the 350 main motor is much better than a 400 main motor anytime, not JMO but fact. It sounds like it's a 4.155 bore, it can be bored to 4.180 safely if there are no cracks or damaged area's in the blk. if that's the case i think you got a pretty good deal at $1400.00.
JMO
Zip.