[SSDan]

Well - HP is all about the variables more so than the short block. The cam specs, heads, intake manifold, fueling, boost or N/A, exhaust system, tuning - all those things drive the final HP number.

Only the compression ratio (choice of piston top shape) and the displacement size will drive HP numbers when it comes to an aftermarket short block. The rest is driven by the other variables.

The reason to buy an aftermarket short block is so you can have a strong and reliable platform that can handle the variable decisions you make that in turn create high HP (especially boost applications such as supercharging or turbos).