Tips on engine rebuild

[DartSportDude]

It appears that I'm in need of an engine rebuild for my '73 Dart Sport 340. The engine is bone stock, with 104,000 miles, and I've developed a problem with the piston rings (the engine just started smoking like crazy).

I'm not in a position to remove the engine and do the rebuild myself, so I'm shopping around for a good shop to handle the entire job. Anybody here had the same experience? Do you have any tips for selecting a rebuilder? Also, does it make any sense to do some performance modifications to this engine during the rebuild, or am I better off putting it back together based on stock specs? What is a fair price for removing the engine, rebuilding it, and putting it back in the car?

Thanks

 

[tomt966]

Go to some local car cruises and shows and talk face to face with the Mopar guys. Get their recommendatons.

 

[C130 Chief]

AERA member shops would be a good place to start.

Ever give any thought to installing a crate motor and saving the original engine for another time when you can do it right?

 

[68 Sedan]

Where are you located?