Well I think I have found a motor to build. I cound a non 53 block with 88k miles for a good price to replace my cracked 53 block. I am hoping to get it next week. I am wanting to send it to a local diesel engine builder and have it compleatly torn down, hot tanked, check & clean up everything. Im going to have it ballanced, re ringed with all new barings ect... I am going to also do a new cam (thinking of the Hamilton "Big Stick"), Valve springs, push rods, Lifters (if need be). I am also going to have it O-ringed & steded, Also thinking of doing some port & polish work to the head when its off & apart. Please give me your advice on what else to do or what you would recomend. TIA

Since it seems you want to build it right why not get the pistons coated and combustion chambers. Worth a few more HP and makes it withstand higher temps more effeciently.

How good is the cylinders? If its in good shape and low miles, why spend the money on rebuilding? You could pull the bearing caps and check the bearing clearances and the crankshaft end play (thrust bearing). I bet everything it in good shape. I bought a low mile motor as well. Its in better shape than the motor that I have in the truck right now. I just plan on putting in a cam and oring head. A fresh paint job and know one would know the difference.

Since it seems you want to build it right why not get the pistons coated and combustion chambers. Worth a few more HP and makes it withstand higher temps more effeciently.Got some info so I can look in to this?

How good is the cylinders? If its in good shape and low miles, why spend the money on rebuilding? You could pull the bearing caps and check the bearing clearances and the crankshaft end play (thrust bearing). I bet everything it in good shape. I bought a low mile motor as well. Its in better shape than the motor that I have in the truck right now. I just plan on putting in a cam and oring head. A fresh paint job and know one would know the difference.I just want to do it for my own pice of mind & also this way I know exactly what I got & what shape its in.

Once you get that far into the engine (oil pan off and head off), there really isn't any supprises. You have the bottom end inspected, the cylinders are inspected. If they are in good shape, why do a rebuild.

You could also just do a re-hone and reuse the stock pistons depending on the cylinder bore measure at the top and bottom of the cylinder. There is a cummins spec on when you have to true up the cylinder with a over-size.

I guess that you could put in ARP main studs and ARP rod bolts. File fit the rings into the cylinder. Just remember to de-burr the rings after you grind them to fit.

The intake plenum side of the valve port is difficult to port and polish.[laugh] The stock instake plenum into intake ports to #1 and #6 have restricted air flow as in comparison to the other cylinders. Some guys have just cut off the intake plenum.[roll]

well Im hoping to just be to hone & re ring it with all new barings, Rings, ect... along with the balancing & other performance parts.

any other advice or sudgestions?

Got some info so I can look in to this?

I just want to do it for my own pice of mind & also this way I know exactly what I got & what shape its in.

http://www.swaintech.com/store.asp?pid=10963 There is one. The other is speedomotive Hope I'm not stepping on anyones toes with the links or names.