So I am going to do a top end rebuild on my 78 with a 350. Will be upgrading and replacing some parts as well as just cleaning up others and reinstalling depending on the look I am after and performance. Anyhow, it was suggested to me to check and make sure the bottom part of the engine was fine and strong prior to starting the top end. For this, I had thought to take it to a mechanic as I am not a super mechanic and it has been some time since I have undertaken such a task. With this said, if I were to take it to a mechanic, what exactly would I ask them to do and check and all of that?

Also, I am only doing the top end because eventually, in a year or two maybe, I will bore out this 350 to a 383 stroker. Just don't want to di that right now as I remember correctly, that would include yanking the engine and a lot more than just a top end rebuild. This has more to do with my living situation and time right now more than anything else. Thanks much for any info you can provide!

You can't really do a full bottom end check without pulling the engine anyways. Since you're going to rebuild it in a year, I'd just do a compression check and leakdown test, if that looks good go ahead.

Am interested in going all the way down to the heads, valve guides, cam and such. Will be upgrading other items as mentioned in my other post.

I am not as technical or mechanical as some on here, but pick up easily with hands on experience and reading.

So with this said, can I do these test at home or is it best to take to a mechanic? What would cost be?

Anything else to add? Thanks much.