Ok, I took the block, crank and pistons to a local machine shop, the guy seemed really familiar with the magnum engines. The bore checked out good! The crank just needed polishing, and the pistons themselves were fine! All that is a relief. So I'm looking at standard bearing sizes on everything. The shop also put in now cam bearings, and will slide my new cam in to confirm that it fits. Unfortunately, they don't do assembly, but my neighbor used to build engines in his sleep, and a friend of mine's dad builds engines, so I'm sure I can get help putting the rotating assembly in. I plan on ordering my heads tomorrow.

In the mean time, I'm busy, spending hours and hours in the engine bay with a bead blaster. I'm trying to get all the rust off the truck (I know, it's a big job). Anyone have a suggestion on an easier way of doing this than bead blasting?

 

Wire brush as much of the rust off as you can. The paint over it with POR15.

 

the cam bearings are the only thing that u need the shop to do instead of buying the tool, easy to do the rotating assembly from there

 

Alright, I got my block, pistons and crank back from the shop today. The parts look good, the cam is already installed, the heads are on the way. I'm looking at ordering http://www.ebay.com/itm/1993-2001-Dodge-360-5-9L-V8-REBUILD-RE-RING-KIT-/120895423908?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c25edc5a4&vxp=mtr. Any thoughts or suggestions on a good kit? All bearing and ring sizes are standard.

I am going with the cam I mentioned above, and the EQ heads with 2.02 intake valve heads. Thoughts on a high volume or standard oil pump?

 

I would get a name brand set of rings and bearings. These would most likely work just fine but name brand just have that reputation going for them.

Good work on your rebuild so far. When you ordered the heads did you ask for higher lift springs or any other upgrades? I have a set of Harland Sharp 1.7 ratio roller rockers for sale in the classified section. Maybe I missed it but what cam are you using?

Oops never mind I found the link about the cam.

 

Yeah, I got the upgraded lift springs, and 1 piece Stainless Steel valves. They said they would custom build the head for my cam.

Ok, this is my first re-build. Any suggestion on a good, quality kit (I only want quality parts), or a good brand name set of rings, bearings and gaskets?

Should I go with a Standard or High Volume oil pump?

 

Fel-Pro makes good gaskets. Clevite, or Michigan bearings. Could go with total seal gapless piston rings...... (instead of a gap, they overlap at the break, dramatically reduces leakdown....)

With all new parts, standard oil pump should be fine.

 

Ok, I just got all my parts in and I spent the morning out there, here is my progress so far

New Main Bearings, Connecting Rod Bearings
[IMG][/IMG]

Pistons installed with new rings
[IMG][/IMG]

Machine Shop installed my cam with new cam bearings
[IMG][/IMG]

New Timing Chain and Gear (double roller chain and tensioner)
[IMG][/IMG]

Chain Again
[IMG][/IMG]

The shop checked all my clearances for me, I double checked this morning. Go more to do, and have a few questions I'll post here later today!

 

Looks good!

 

Needs paint when it's done!