Balancing budget/performance for rebuild

[SixFoFalcon]

I'd like to get a consensus on choosing components for a rebuild. The engine in question is a US200, 7-main. I'm likely tossing the head in favor of a Crossflow or 2V, so I'm not interested in info pertaining to the head or valvetrain. I'm not really interested in changing the bore or stroke either. I just want to be able to rely on a solid lower rebuild so I can build up the head and tweak-out more HP/TQ later on.

My main concern is that most of the rebuild kits I have found don't get very specific about the individual components in the package. "Premium" vs. "economy" is too vague for me. I understand cast pistons are about the only thing available right now, without spending mucho $$$, so that's an easy decision. I'm thinking about the kits offered by Northern Auto Parts (Federal Mogul hardware, Victor gaskets) and NAPA (unknown components.) Does anyone have any experiences with these (or other) brands?

Also, should I plan on getting better connecting rods and rod bolts?

 

[rbohm]

8) economy parts are going to be parts from places like badger(pistons), and low end bearings. premium parts are going to be parts from places like trw and clevite. also economy parts also tend to be white box parts, meaning that they could come from any manufacturer the company deals with, it is just that the rebuild company got a deal on the parts they put in your kit. performance automotive wholesale is known for this. the parts are good quality, but usually come from a manufacturer you have not heard of.

 

[Anonymous]

I would stay away from the badger pistons and all of the no name stuff. I have had the best luck with sealed power pistons and perfect circle rings. If you compare the two pistons side by side the quality is very different. Also you want to think about beefed up con rods. Polishing the beams and adding arp rod bolts helps in the strength department. Balancing the bottom end of the motor is worth every penny and insures that every thing is ok. I have almost ten sets of rods that I have built up with arp bolts and peened and polished. I use these in my crate motors but I can sell sets alone. Clifford is also selling them too. Hope this helps!

Todd Fields

 

[67 Falcon]

What dose a set of 200 rods cost? Russell

 

[Anonymous]

The rods are the #C3 forgings polished, shotpeened, arp bolts, resized on the big end and balanced. I can let them go for $150 a set no core. I will give you $15 for your core set of rods.

Todd Fields