Any tips before I tear open my engine?

[Half-Caf]

Hey all, I got a couple friends to help me get my engine on a small dolly so I can begin disassembly.
I must admit, the idea of cracking that puppy open has me a little nervous. I have a complete gasket kit and will be doing a complete rebuild.
Any tips for me before I dive in?

By the way, pics will soon follow in my build thread.

[seestheday]

I can't offer advice but will be paying attention to this thread as I plan to do the same this winter.

So far I'm thinking all new gaskets, lapping the valves, new rings, and checking out the oil pump to see what condition its in.

[LukeM]

Document document document the process.  Take LOTS of pictures, in case you have to break away from the build for a while.  

While you're opening up the engine, be looking at pieces that you couldn't get to unless you HAD to open it all the way up:  rear drive seal, chains, adjusters, any and all bearing surfaces, that kinda stuff.  It's cheaper to replace it now, while the cases are apart.

There is a tendency to rush through these rebuilds.  Take your time with it.  It'll save you some aggravation in the long run.

Good luck, and may the wrench be with you.
Luke M

[shinyribs]

X 2 on everything cool hand Luke said. Also, be patient. Going into something like that is very exciting.  Don't be tempted to hurry to the next step. Just go slow and take plenty of notes.  I would add, don't start until you can commit to the project. When I rebuilt my first automatic transmission I hurried through the teardown then had to walk away for a month. It made things very difficult on me. Get all your ducks in a row and concentrate one this one project. No multi tasking!

[TOOLS1]

Lots of ZipLock bags. Also as, you take an assembly apart, put it back together a few times before bagging it.
TOOLS