I'm trying to rebuild an engine for a car that I am restoring. Based on the leakdown testing, compression testing, etc. I think we need to look at boring the block, oversize pistons + rings, cleaning + polishing crank, new bearings, etc.
First, are you saying you want to have the boring, honing, crank grinding, head work, cam grinding done by a specialized shop and then assemble it yourself? Or do you want a long block you can dress or a turnkey engine?
Next, are you thinking you're going to furnish the parts or have them source the parts. A competent local general engine shop can do all the machining, no problem, but they won't have a clue where to get your parts.
I'd like to educate myself such that the local shops doing the work won't be able to push the work beyond what is necessary.
Thank you![/QUOTE]
Your desire for more knowledge is laudable, but maybe the goal is not. Even an intelligent person who is a quick study is going to be beyond his depth when trying to argue "what is necessary" with a specialist automotive machine shop. You won't have the measuring instruments, the shop manual experience and hands-on experience to debate how many tenths are "necessary" for a reliable Italian exotic rebuild.
The other thing you'll likely find is a shop good enough to do the work will have little patience with a customer who's always questioning their estimates and their work. I've seen more than one too-hands-on customer fired and sent home with his parts in a plastic tub.
As a suggestion, from one who has sixty years in and around this stuff, maybe spend the study time talking with your marque and other Italian exotic owners who've had engine work done. Don't take any single opinion as gospel, but with a wide circle of discussion, patterns of who's good and who's affordable will emerge.
Back to parts, the Italian specialist will most likely have better parts sources than you will and he may not appreciate your help in that area.
If you find a shop with a good reputation but in another part of the country, shipping core engines out and getting rebuilts back is done every day. Today I just picked up a Studebaker V8 at the freight dock; it's in a crate in the back of my truck headed to the shop.
As a freebie, ask your basic questions here and/or PM those who've built a few.
jack vines