yeah, i was planning on going to the yard for some parts and to see what i could find. all the block work im having done at a shop. yeah i know what you mean about parts for engines or parts in general, ive heard so many stories. i want to get in there and just look around to see what i can find. for one i need a radiator, steering column and a dash. the the block im gonna use is from my cousins 69 nova, he built a stroker and kept the old engine in his back yard, so he is gonna give me the block. im gonna have the works done to it, new freeze plugs, bored, honed , new cam bearings put in, everything to get it ready for the build. the egine is gonna be for my 74 chevy van. its pretty sweet. right now its stripped to hell, a rolling chassis, im doing everything. new electrical, new egine , new tranny, new interior, alot of stuff. i plan on biulding this engine as a nice 350, headers, and a nice little cam, so it has some pep. as for asking the shop for what they have lying around, thats a good idea, i might be able to score some parts for free. that would be cool. i was told by my uncle that i should buy the kit first, then have the block done to fit the kit. like piston bore and all that. now what you guys say is to prep the block first then buy the kit? i can the logic in that. and one thing is fure sure, im glad i have the help that i have, i know stuff about engines but im still learning, and still need to know alot more to build them right, ive done research and i think a engine from scratch is the best way, that way i learn, and i get what i want in the engine. now about the heads, i really dont know that much, just general info, but the process of a rebuild on them is hazy, so i will talk to who ever i choose to do them , about the situation. im still learning about, cc size, inatke all that stuff. but as of now, i have a pretty good idea on what i what to do in this build and will continue to do my homework.