Since I am going to be rebuilding my engine myself now, does anybody have any recommendations for an engine rebuild kit? Dad would have gotten one at the FLAPS. And I am not opposed to that. Just thought somebody that has done this multiple times has something that stands out above the other. Engine is completelly stock. TIA

 

how you looking to rebuild it?

 

Never ordered a "Kit" . Other than maybe a gasket kit. And then I end up changing out a few gaskets anyway for the ones I prefer. Especially head gaskets and oil pan gaskets.
Step one. Completely dissassemble engine. Determine what you will need, what can be reused. What needs machineing.Step 2. Get machine work done. After machine work. Then what size bearings, pistons, rings etc. then step 3, order parts.

 

Northern Auto Parts

 

I never use a "kit"......I am pretty picky about what gaskets and bearings to use and even Fel Pro kits have gaskets in them that are not right for the application or wrong, leaving a bunch of **** to either throw away or hang out on a shelf until its radioactive half life breaks it down into dust......

But I can give you some insight.....

I use:
King Bearings exclusively......Enginetech bearings are King. I started using King 15 years ago after Clevite and Fed Mog got too proud about their stuff.....
Fel Pro, Mahle, or Mr. Gasket head gaskets. The Mr. Gasket brand is the old "Detroit" or "Corteco" gasket. Victor Reinz makes an awesome Mark IV gasket to bolt on Gen 5 block on BBC. Steel shim gaskets from Fel Pro are great for stock cast iron heads...spray Copper Hi-Tack on them....these will give you a little more compression and quench.
Fel Pro oil pan gasket....one piece.
Fel Pro intake gasket.....I use specific part numbers on OEM SBC and BBC to block the heat riser port. I do not and will not build engines without this blocked.
Fel Pro or Mr. Gasket valve cover gaskets......the steel/rubber or the rubber impregnated Mr. Gasket Ultra Seal.
USeal EOK valve stem seals or Summit brand (which is USeal EOK).
Fel Pro or USeal EOK rear main seal and timing cover seal.
Things like Fuel Pump, Thermostat Housing, Timing cover gasket come from KMC on E-Bay as a sheet that you punch out......there is zero benefit to paying more than $5 for all of these......you can't make it "seal better" by buying a "better" gasket....the seal is in the prep...and that is on you.
Fel Pro graphite or Remflex header gaskets......I use Remflex specifically for Dougs or Hooker side exhaust.....and for OEM brands with shitty gasket flanges like Small Block Mopar.

I don't even buy gasket kits for the OEM 4 bangers I build....like the GM Ecotec.....so much stuff you do not need.

I urge you to either see about getting an account with Enginetech or you can buy Enginetech parts on Rock Auto......Enginetech is a $750 buy in I think....but once you have the account...there is stuff on there you wouldn't believe how cheap it is......and they cover ALL makes and models for your future issues.....like the timing chain guides that crap out on everything now......STD bearings from Enginetech for small block are like $50 for a set of both rods and mains.....dirt cheap.

Is that enough info? LOL. I nerd out a lot.

Jebby

 

I've bought a few engine kits from Northern going back..IDK 30 years(??). They've been around a long time. They're out of IA. I know others who buy from them. They pair up quality parts. Ask yourself if this is a stock rebuild, or are you going for certain power or high endurance levels? The greater the demand the more picky and specific you need to be on kits that will get you there. If it's just a stock garage-queen C3 engine rebuild, than you'll find a lot of kits that should work fine. You could call Northern too. They used to be really good about helping people ..but I haven't called them in years.

Summit Racing would be another place to check. I haven't done a Chevy in years so I don't have specific kit recommendations. Amazon sellers even sells kits.

 

I like Fel-Pro and sealed power thru Summit.
But whatever you choose don't use aluminum bearings

 

OP, do you have the engine apart yet? I would definitely take it apart, do some measuring, and see what it really needs. Perhaps it's been re-done at some point? Maybe a re-ring & bearings (and gaskets of course) is all it needs, ...esp if it's a garage-queen that see's 1,200 miles a summer (???). Or the full monty.. Probably should look at it first. Put a 'good' oil pressure gauge and check the oil pressure cold/hot. Do a compression test ..all that before pulling it -- if you haven't already.

I would probably have it cleaned (or you clean it) and inspect it too.

 

This is a mild on the street close to original build. Using original heads. THis is a 68 327/350hp engine. Stepping up the cam.

4vettes Never ordered a "Kit" . Other than maybe a gasket kit. And then I end up changing out a few gaskets anyway for the ones I prefer. Especially head gaskets and oil pan gaskets.
Step one. Completely dissassemble engine. Determine what you will need, what can be reused. What needs machineing.Step 2. Get machine work done. After machine work. Then what size bearings, pistons, rings etc. then step 3, order parts.
Mark G
OP, do you have the engine apart yet? I would definitely take it apart, do some measuring, and see what it really needs. Perhaps it's been re-done at some point? Maybe a re-ring & bearings (and gaskets of course) is all it needs, ...esp if it's a garage-queen that see's 1,200 miles a summer (???). Or the full monty.. Probably should look at it first. Put a 'good' oil pressure gauge and check the oil pressure cold/hot. Do a compression test ..all that before pulling it -- if you haven't already.

I would probably have it cleaned (or you clean it) and inspect it too.

Yes, the engine is completely apart. ENgine does not appear to have been done before. All the cylinders need is some mild honing, and it is bore, with practically no lip in the cylinders. No egging. We plastsi-gauged everything, and most everything looks good. Only the cam was showing any wear and it was mild. My plan is to upgrade main bearings, replace cam bearings and cam, and lifters along with rings, seals and obviously the gaskets. The block is currently at a shop for cleaning and prep including new cam bearings, as well as a general inspection.

 

Thank you! That is some direction and detail! Appreciate it!

 

Thank you for warning!

 

Thank you! I will check them out. I like supporting local business, and Iowa is still local!