Welcome to the forum: Nice bunch of people here, you should enjoy it and fit in well.

I'm sorry to hear about Pops not liking your chosen hobby. What would he rather have you interested in?? But you ARE 21, and a man, and he should respect your right to pursue what you like. But at least your Grandpap was a car lover (hope he is still with us). There are alot of worse things you could be interested in.

Sometimes Parents project into kids our ideal of what they should be, when in reality, we should be happy we gave them the tools to become productive individuals, with individual desires. From the sound of your post, you seem to be an ok guy to me. Don't let it bother you, just keep your nose clean and do what makes you happy.

I'll let more qualified members address the small block build up, but it sounds like a good plan to me. I've got a couple of engines sitting on engine stands, with no particular car to put them in either, so I understand what you are doing.

Good luck,

Don