I am a layman but an eager, quick learner and feel fairly confident i can disassemble my 1991 Caprice station wagon engine (5.0, TBI), replace gaskets/seals/orings etc. and put it back together properly. How many hours minimum do you suppose it will take?
It's more work than you think and to do it properly involves expensive machine work. Better off dropping in a factory rebuilt or crate engine.
Usually twice or maybe even three times as long as you think it'll take
My brother tried that once with a Chevy 350.
Gave up after working on it for an entire summer [ after work]' Couldn't get over how many small parts there were.
Start with something simple and tear down a lawn mower engine or something similar and rebuild that, then go from there. Something you're not out a ton of time and space on, if you screw it up. Years ago my younger brother was going to try to rebuild a 2-cycle leaf blower he got for free and got frustrated taking it apart. It ended up in the trash.
Sure, you can do it. Take a look around your local machine shop. Are they all geniuses? I don't think so.
BUT, what they have that you don't is training and experience. Like the Great and Powerful Oz (the one from Kansas, not the one from Pennsylvania) said, "A baby has brains but it doesn't know much. Experience is the only thing that brings knowledge."
If you really want to rebuild a motor, which is a cool idea, start with some hands-on training from someone who knows how to do it. Maybe see if there is a night school class at your local junior college. Once you learn the basics, then give it a try.
Otherwise like the comments above, you are likely to just be frustrated and end up with a trashed engine.
