is it viable for someone who has never rebuilt an engine to attempt it, or would i be better of buying a rebuild from autozone or somewhere similar?

If its something you'd like to learn to do, go for it, but you should really have someone that can look over you work as you go. There are a few specialized tools needed so that will add to costs. I've build many engines for Ford back in the day (completely stock) and have most of the tools needed to rebuild another if I really needed to. Today I would pay someone else to rebuild one. It takes time, money, a place to work, tools, and it comes with no warranty. You can buy a rebuilt or have yours rebuilt and get a warranty.

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67Cuda,FAST EZEFI,340cu,CR=10.25,RollerCam&Rocker (XR268HR,#20-810-9)(#1622-16)(EddyRPM#60779,#7576), (MSD6AL,#6425) A904, GearVendorsOD, 8 1/4,3.55:1, ClassicAir

Well, everyone who's ever rebuilt an engine had to rebuild his first engine before he could rebuild any more of them! That said, whether you'll be able to tackle this job successfully depends on your level of knowledge, your available tools and equipment, and that kind of thing. Do you feel comfortable enough with your knowledge, tools, equipment and facilities that you're ready to try it yourself, maybe with the help of someone who's done it before and had good results? If not, then...probably not.

Do not buy a "remanufactured" or "rebuilt" engine from a parts store. Quality, durability and performance on such off-the-shelf units tend to be very poor, regardless of the fancy warranties offered. Definitely not a cost-effective option.

Other options include installing a good used engine and/or having your engine carefully and skillfully custom-rebuilt by an able and reputable machine shop. If you can't do it yourself, that's definitely the way to go.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

There are levels of what you can do........

You can take everything apart, then take the various pieces to someone else to do (crank, block, head); then reassemble the pieces.

Some of the above work can be broken down further (head work) you may be able to disassemble the head, then reassemble the pieces, or just take the head in and have someone else do it.........

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

If you're mechanically inclined and have a factory service manual, I wouldn't hesitate to take it on. Assuming you're not on a deadline, you can always pull the engine, tear it down, and decide if it's beyond your ability before you invest in the new parts (and most of the specialty tools).

Personally, I'd say it's no sweat at all, but then again, I completely disassembled my first lawnmower engine when I was four years old and rebuilt a 727 tranny in HS with no real help. My first engine was last year, and I'm currently in the middle of a second engine and tranny if the guy ever comes up with money for the parts. When you boil it down, it's really pretty simple. Just take your time and take a lot of pictures.

As Dan said, I'd stay away from parts store "rebuilds." I've seen some great ones, and I've seen some terrible ones. Do you really want to take that risk?

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Used to own:
'82 Dodge D150
Erson 270 Cam, O/S valves, mild port work, ~9.5:1 compression

Currently fighting with an '85 VW Cabriolet

My other passion

I must say the idea of a warrenty is what got me looking that direction, 6 years or 60,000 miles for $1100 seems like a good deal to me, I guess research into what all is covered and all the stipulations is in order. On the other hand, I have no time constraints, its a spare car at this point and its already got nearly 400,000 miles on it. I lack a decent place to work, and I'm positive I don't have all the tools I need, also having anytype of machine work done adds to cost. So I'm not sure at this point. Does any one have a good idea as to what a rebuild would run if I pay to have a shop do it.

No, you're thinking in the wrong direction. The terms of the warranty are irrelevant. The quality of the engine is what matters, and that cannot be judged by the warranty. Fact is, the odds are against you with this "remanufactured" junk. The fanciest warranty is small comfort if you're practically guaranteed to have to spend the time, effort, money and backache of yanking the engine because it was a half-baked job thrown together by unskilled labor using low-bid parts from China. The reason why they get away with it is they know most cars that get rebuilt engines are somewhere between "older" and "old" and will be sold or otherwise disposed of before the warranty is up. Take a look at the older vehicles for sale in most any newspaper classified section. "Rblt. eng." is a common phrase. Those warranties apply only to the original purchaser.

Selecting a part, whether it be a starter motor or a whole engine, based on the warranty, is the wrong way to do it. It is backwards and a surefire recipe for hassle and expense down the line. The warranty is there for one reason only: to distract you from the factors that genuinely influence the quality, durability and performance of the engine (starter, alternator, carburetor, etc.) you are considering buying.

Look at it this way: Would you rather have an engine (transmission, distributor, starter, whatever) that was built sloppily using poor-quality parts and carries a lifetime warranty, which means you get to spend your lifetime replacing the part again and again and again under warranty? Or, option "B", would you rather have an engine (or whatever) that was built properly using high-quality parts and carries a 90-day warranty, which means any random component failures will be covered?

I sure know which one I pick, each and every time.

You're about to spend a big chunk of money on a major part of your car. For that amount of money, you deserve the right to talk directly with the people who'll be doing the work, and to know exactly what components are going into the engine. Giving up that right in exchange for a warranty certificate is foolhardy.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

About 5 years ago, I had a reputable automotive shop rebuild my engine for $1300. That included having to replace the block. They had a very good reputation in the area (Modesto Ca.) It came with a 4 year or 40,000 mile warranty. About 2 weeks into driving the truck with the rebuilt engine, I took the truck to them to have the motor pulled and repair a constantly leaking rear seal. Couple of days later, I picked it up and have had no problems since. I was glad I didnt have to pull the engine. I had planned on doing the rebuild myself, but was not much cheaper than to have them do it.

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Excuse me, does this smell like chloroform to you?

well thanks guys, all the info has been great, now I just need to track down a decent builder in the area who won't charge me an arm and a leg.