...on the stand before dropping it in a car?? I am getting underway with my first rebuild and ummm...I haven't got a car to put it in yet. I know....getting ahead of myself. But this is a project I've been looking forward to doing. I have the block ready to take to the machinist for checking/cleaning and I'm wondering how far along should I go with this before I have the wheels to bolt it up to?? Should I bring the crank to him as well?? Also, before I removed the pistons/rods...I checked the rod side clearances and they were up around the tolerable limit (.012"). I'm assuming they should be replaced...what is the best source for these rods?? They are #2205554. As always, thanks for the help...G.

The engine can sit on the stand indefinitely, as long as it is protected from dirt and from moisture. As far as project timing, note that it's easier and safer for a "to be built" engine to just sit around than for a built one. An unbuilt engine hasn't yet been cleaned, the critical surfaces haven't yet been resurfaced, etc., so if a little more dust gets on it, no problem. But if your freshly-bored cylinders rust, if your new piston rings rust, if your accidentally nick the freshly-remachined deck...ouch.

Unless your goal with this buildup is to "just squeak by" on minimal money, then by all means take the whole engine -- block, head, crank, rods, pistons -- to the machinist! Half-baked rebuilds don't make economic sense and usually wind up disappointingly.

I've had engines sit on a stand for as long as 3 years without problems, but I kept them sealed in plastic bags. I periodically turned over the engine enough to re-distribute the oil and assembly lube and to change the load on the valve springs.