Originally posted by timmytown
today i was running around looking for a block when i stumbeld into this guys shop, who told me that it was not nessesary to use a 4 bolt main. he said that i should try to keep things simple for my first build, and that with a 2 bolt i could get 400 hp with out any problems with the block.
He is correct, If you can afford the 4 bolt main then buy it and not look back at the 2 bolt main

Originally posted by timmytown

this guys shop is not oppen to the public, however he told me that he would set me up with a block and parts, and give me some pointers on how to build my engin. the reason why it is not open to the public is because he builds races cars and has a contract with a chevy dealership to inspect ther pre owned cars only to fund his racing. his shop is huge and he does have a ton of parts and blocks laying around but im not sure if i can trust him thats kinda what i was goin to ask you guys about. the way i see it is he is eather a con man or a nice old guy who wants to help out some kid with his first engine. ( when i say kid im not really a kid but to a 60 year old guy a 23 year old is a kid). he said he would set me up with a block and parts and set it aside and let me take some as i pay. sorry about the rambling ill stop now.
You can ask around before doing business with the guy and see what his reputation is like, chances are if his shop is that big he is not a con man but in reality being nice to you since you stumbled in and are doing a first time engine build. You probally will get better prices from him too

This is my thoughts and not a guarentee that he is a con man.

You can ask him to sell you parts as you progress and take them from his shop to where you are doing the rebuild

Originally posted by timmytown

last question is is it a bad idea to buy used pistons?
The cost of new pistons vs buying used ones is not that much in todays market and is a Very Bad idea unless you have the equipment to check the used pistons especially if they had been installed and ran in another engine...

Some people have bought new pistons and then decided to buy a different set or accidentally had a 2nd delivered and want to sell them.. Check the internet for piston prices...

I myself right at the time I am typeing this have a block at a mechine shop being bored .30 over and I am dealing with a shop that does not deal directly with the public and so far I have had no problems with the shop, I am also being given a better price on parts from him then I would get at the local speed shops