Ill start with a couple of questions on a budget assembly of a 350. I have a 350 that is basically a stock cast piston (zoninger piston) factory rod and crank, the block was bored 40 over at the last rebuild I bought the engine for $70 because it tossed the damper and messed up the end of the crank. I have another factory crank that was polished which I am going to use. The bores look real good I put the top ring from the piston in it and measured it at the very top gap .023 about 2.5" down .025 and near the bottom .024. I believe the gap should be around .017 so I plan on just installing new rings I have a flex hone with the three stones(the ones for the moly rings I bought) I used honing oil with it before but I was told transmission fluid could also be used, I plan on doing a quick hone clean and gap the rings and install. Is there any major issues with this plan?
The second part is I am using a pair of home ported vortec heads with a comp 270 magnum cam the stock vortec springs are alittle below the cam spring spec 80# seat vrs 105# seat is there a spring that is the same inside and outside diameter of the stock vortec spring but offers a little more pressure?
While I am at it the third part are there any opinions of using the thin head gaskets .015 coated on a undecked head and block, I am trying to find a way to be within a .045 quench if that makes any sense with a factory dished piston. Any answers to any of the three parts will be greatly appreciated

 

I had the same problem with an engine I picked up. I found a machine shop that fixed the crank for me, so don't throw yours away. I also honed the cylinders and installed new rings. I use 3/4 ATF & 1/4 diesel fuel mix along with the finest stones I can buy, never had an issue with that yet. The steel head gaskets will most likely be alright, although I did have one leak on an engine. It was an undecked block that apparently had some warpage. Sorry, I don't know about your springs.

 

Sounds like a good plan. As to the springs, don't scrimp there -- I'd call Crower, Lunati, Jesel and see who has good springs sets that will fit. You'll float the values with those springs. I'd get 110-120 lb springs if the spec is a minimum of 105.