Is it recommended to buy engine part (gaskets, bearings, freeze plugs, rings ect) in a kit or as separate components?

Rebuilding a 350 after machine work. Need just about everything. I would like to buy a kit that includes everything, but not sure what good brands are. Can anyone suggest a route to go? Is see Federal Mogul out there. Are they any good?

Thanks

 

You can usually buy a set cheaper than buying the gaskets individually. Just make sure that you buy a set that has the head gaskets you need for your particular build. Felpro or any other name brand manufacturer will do just fine.

 

Anyone have any input on this kit? I would not be using the cam, or lifters.

https://www.mabbcomotors.com/catalog...7-1995_TBI/229

 

whats been done to the block exactly?
what heads are you running?
just a stock rebuild or looking for some more power?

 

Block has been decked, bored to .30, crank bore aligned. Crank .20/.20.

Heads not 100% sure on. Might go vortecs, otherwise will just stick to the stock heads. For now the plan is stock heads.

Stock rebuild for the most part. The most I would go is intake, heads and cam. Definitely a mild street build. Just something fun for cruising around.

This is a 350 TBI btw. Will be running EBL Flash for tuning.

 

is the block zero decked? or how much taken off?
most of your cheap kits come with rebuilder pistons that have a low compression heigth. they are usually low compression, dished pistons, ( = less power).
i would take my time selecting pistons. i'd at least consider some 4-valve relief flat top pistons, with the desired compression heigth to achieve optimal quench.

a lil video to get the wheels spinning;

 

Ill have to look at the sheet the shop provided. But I believe there was only a couple thousands taken off. Just enough to true the deck.

I believe I should be shooting for somewhere around 9:1-9.5:1 compression ration if I will be running 91 octane gas?

Side question, since the engine was previously running well, I can reuse the original connecting rods? The pin bore and bearing bore do not show any elongation or damage.

 

stock rods are usually pretty tough. couldnt hurt to have them checked out though?

heres a kit i would consider. i didnt see your undersize bearing size in a kit, but if you call them, they'll probably toss in the right size no problem.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...-summit-racing