Engine rebuild/choices....

["NIKOLAY NESTEROV"<nikolay_nesterov@cc.littonatd.com>]

     Hi everybody,
     
     some time ago I posted about my spun big-end bearing and auto-to-stick 
     conversion of my '84 5K. Since I think I found an anassembled short 
     block for about $700 (all parts are new factory, same gutless power 
     though ;-( ) I'd like to up the power a bit at this time and am 
     wondering what my choices are, what is the best series block to use, 
     cam, pistons, balancing etc. ANY tips would be greatly appreciated.
     
     I did a search of the archives/ parts vendors and did not see Overland 
     parts yet I remmber reading about them on the list long time ago. I 
     don't remember if they were recommended or not recommended supplier.
     Please let me know....
     
     Please help me with this as I have made a lot of mistakes/bad 
     decisions already (I still have a good but useless final drive for the 
     auto, some PS pumps, etc to prove it!)
     
     On the conversion front it looks like the back of the auto crank never 
     intended to have a pilot bearing pressed into it.... so those thinking 
     about conversion take note. The rest seems doable. Parts needed for 
     sure from a donor stick care (maybe more to come) are:
        -throttle body/cable
        -valve cover (both because of the different throttle linkage)
        -all three pedals with mounting bracketry and clutch
                master/slave/lines. (dent tunnel to clear gas pedal)
        -shifter (hole in the tunnel for the rods needs to be enlarged)
        -possible half shafts and down pipe.
        -relay (wiring is already there)
        - all wiring for the back-up sw etc seems to be there
     
     PS.
     
     as some already asked  I'd be interested if the trans/engine combo can 
     be installed as a unit from the top, or is it easier from the bottom.
     
     thank you all in advance
     
        -Nick