Sure it can be welded. But making a jig to hold it while welding would be the bigest problem. A good mig weld inside and outside on the crack should hold it together.
As for the shipper. taking photos before and after... If it was a yard that shipped it I'd be very leary of it's condition before shipping..
I have received a bogus cracked engine from a shipper in Dallas and cancelled my MC...on him. Was it on a pallet?
I am a strong believer of welds. I have run both welded heads and blocks with never a problem.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />