BZ..keep on asking the questions. Between your questions and mine, Im learning a ton. As you and I have already discussed, we're in the exact same situation. Ive got my heads discussion going on as well, and thankfully people here are kind enough to give advice without insulting.

Just like you, I could simply clean, put in new bearings, rings, paint, etc, use the same heads, and it would probably run fine for my usage, but I wanted to be more educated about engine rebuilding while trying to recreate that Firebird 400 4v setup the 68-69 buyer would have received from the dealership.

I dont have 4 kids running around the house (mine are all in their 20s now...Thank God!), but I can relate to the cost-time situation..