How did this thread get so big? There are like 40 posts and I didn't gain a bit of knowledge from any of them. So how are things going gilee? I might as well give you my 2cents while I'm here. I would say you should not do it yourself. You sound alot like me, only I have much better grammar. I'm in the top 10 when it comes to 420a destruction. I've done practically all the work to my car since I've had it and it hasn't killed me yet, but I've definetally had my share of mistakes. Many of them being expensive mistakes. But no matter what people tell me, I've learned alot and I don't regret too MUCH of it. Anyhow, 420a's are quite simple, but when it comes to engine internals it is very important that things are done properly and checked over by someone who has done it before and knows what they are doing. You will not learn anything by guessing and hoping you are doing it correctly. The only way to be sure is through experience, which you do not have. And you should not rely on this rebuild to gain experience. I'm sure you don't want to start your car up after all this effort and money and everything shatter to peices. I personally am in the process of a rebuild equal to yours, and I am having the machine shop do all of the bottom end machining and assembly. Best of luck.