I've never in my life seen a new engine take as little as 25 LB FT. But now I will admit, I've not measured that on very many at all......but I've built a LOT of engines. I don't know where the 25 figure came from, but I think it's way too light.
Rob, Every short block I've ever built has been under 30 ft-lbs with most being 24-25 ft-lbs. 55-60 would be more like a stiff, fully assembled flat tappet engine.