Here's a breakdown:
Factors Affecting Difficulty:
* Your Mechanical Aptitude: Basic mechanical skills are essential. Understanding how internal combustion engines work, familiarity with tools, and the ability to follow instructions precisely are crucial.
* Your Tooling: You'll need a substantial collection of specialized tools, including engine hoist, torque wrench, various sockets and wrenches, engine stand, dial indicator, micrometer, and more. Renting some tools might be feasible, but buying them all adds significant cost.
* The Condition of the Engine: A relatively well-maintained engine will be easier to rebuild than one that's severely worn or damaged. Significant internal damage can significantly increase complexity and cost.
* The Scope of the Rebuild: Are you doing a basic rebuild (rings, bearings, seals), or a full restoration (including machining)? A full restoration involves more precision, specialized equipment (like a crankshaft grinder), and expertise.
* Access to Resources: Having access to experienced mechanics or online resources (forums, videos) can make a huge difference.
Difficulty Level:
On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being very easy and 10 being extremely difficult:
* Basic rebuild (rings, bearings, seals): 6-7. This is achievable with some mechanical experience and the right tools, but still requires patience and attention to detail. Mistakes can have costly consequences.
* Full restoration (including machining): 8-9. This requires significant expertise, specialized tools, and precision work. It's more likely a project for someone with extensive experience or access to a machine shop.
In short: It's a challenging project, but manageable if you are prepared. If you're a complete novice, it's best to start with simpler projects to build your skills before tackling a 350 rebuild. Consider working with a more experienced mechanic on your first engine rebuild to learn proper techniques and avoid costly mistakes.
