As far as camshaft and lifters go, that is definitely one thing you should buy new (unless you know for a fact why a used cam was removed and know for a fact that the lifters were numbered as to which lobe they came from).
What exactly do you already have if you're looking for stuff like push rods and heads? As for pulleys, are you intending to run a short or long water pump?
-- Edited by chips on Sunday 27th of December 2015 11:45:33 AM
Just buy your complete rebuild kit from a reputable vendor like Summit or Jegs, etc. You might find the rebuild kit cheaper through Enginetech or Competition Products since it is a SBC.
Get your crank ground, and your block crack checked and rough bored before ordering your rebuild it. For your heads, get someone to crack check them, then look at the guides and seats. It might be cheaper to replace than repair when you get into valves, seats, guides, and studs.
After you know what you need, order the rebuild kit. You need to know what size bearings, and what size pistons to order. You also will need to know what head CC`s you are going to be running so you can make sure you order the correct style pistons. Look into the inexpensive stock replacement forged pistons. For older engines, a lot of the time they are almost the same price as the cast pistons.
When you get to the cam, most engine kits will allow you to upgrade to the generic performance cams and springs from Sealed Power, Elgin, Melling etc for very little money. They will not make as much power as a modern grind but their big soft lobes are easier to break in and last longer.
Always replace the rod bolts and have the rods crack checked and resized.
Are you going to be doing the assembly, or is the shop who does the machine work going to do it?
