hey guys im currently looking for a 308/304 ive found a couple of motors but most of them , the seller has said it would be best to put some bearings and rings in , just for peace of mind now im curious if this is a hard job to do with someone with basic mechanic knowledge. when replacing rings and bearings . is there any machining to be done and is it a better option to give the motor to a mechanic and what sorta dollars im labour could this add up to any advice or prior experience would be great

ive gone through this and yea you can just throw some new bearings and rings in with basic mechanical knowledge but its not going to be balanced and piston clearences wont be spot on etc, so you could run risk of running into more dramas. Your best off taking it to a engine rebuilder not a mechanic as they will only pass it to a engine builder and add more $ for themselves. They will check all clearences and can tell you if new rings will cut it or if it needs a hone or bore and new pistons/rings etc. Better off doing it once and right.

ok thanks for the advice. im still looking for a motor but i might try save some extra dollars and buy something already rebuilt with receipts

what combo you looking for? ill keep an eye out for you.. you want something stock? mild? etc..

If I was going to re-ring the engine i would definitely tear it down and machine it up because then you spend the money only once instead of re-ringing, wearing that out and then looking for more ponies... I got quoted $1000 the other day for chemically cleaned block, torque plate line bore and hone, tunnel bore, and 40 thou off the decks. so it definitely does pay to buy an engine already done because in the above case you've shelled out 1000 oxford scholars just to start the build (not including parts! (guess im stating the obvious here) Some original photos have not been recovered yet.