* If the crank comes out - I'd have it micro-polished and turned. Remember to hang it (literally) when you are storing it outside of the block.

* clearances are EVERYTHING - my philosophy is "If you do not have the money to do it right, then how are you gonna have the money to do it twice?" In other - words - "do it once, do it right". While you do not have to always go to a shop to get a block put together right, just make sure that you get some1 who has a clue.

* bottom-end assembly is not that expensive unless you actually are there to see what you just paid for - lol. After watching it done a few times, I decided to purchase a few specialty tools so I can learn on my own.

* also, I'd let the machine shop file the rings down. They have a kool little tool that does it automatically and it does not make mistakes.