No advice on drivetrain/suspension parts and aftermarket ignitions are snake oil in my book.
On the engine being rebuilt for power gains and improved economy I can definately chime in on though. First and foremost is the head itself. While I hate carbs, a properly set up performance cylinder head will benefit carb and EFI alike. I run a complete Street RV head with 270 cam from Engnbldr. Oversized stainless valves and was all constructed using a new Topline casting, mangenese guides and new springs/retainers etc. I run a stock exhuast manifold into stock downpipe then run with 2" back into 2-1/4" in/out muffler and exit with 2-1/4" pipe. If you dont let it breath the head wont give you all its got. I seen an increase of 2 mpg after installing the head...4 mpg when exhuast system was added.
On boring the engine .020" any particular reason for that number? If the cylinders arent scored or blemished stay as small as possible. Let your machine shop decide what needs cut off, and along with rod resizing and crank polishing they will let you know what size of bearings you'll need.
Whats a MHG? Metal head gasket? Nope, your engine kit will come with a complete gasket set if you order through EB. And they are as good as any other gasket set out there. Superior to any fel-pro gasket by far.
I dont use head studs. When bolting together the Gen2 engine I used new head bolts from Engnbldr. My old set had been removed/reused 5 times and I didnt want to push my luck going for 6 on such an expensive engine setup.
Hope that helps some. Definately let the machine shop make the decisions on the cylinder boring...if they suggest anything over 1mm (.040") tell them stop! Have them show you why they need to cut that much material. These engines arent all that thick...the more you take from the cylinder wall will increase the amount block walk while the engine is running. And as most know, working a rotating assembly in a variable geometry setting isnt the best thing for a motor. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />
~Darin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />
