[72kool]

I apologise for my many questions lately. I am trying to get a finalized plan and budget together for this winter.

Subject: original 350 engine
Problems: leaks oil all over itself
Goal: the opposite of the problem

Here is where I would greatly appreciate everybody's opinion!
My 350 engine is original to the truck. It leaks oil from top to bottom and I'd like to improve that department of the truck build. This is a semi daily driver so minimal down time is a priority.

The truck only has 68000 miles on it. I have verified to my satisfaction that it is not higher miles/rolled over odometer. I do not have any issues with the engine otherwise. No knocking, does not smoke, runs pretty good.

I can not pull an engine out to fix leaks and leave it stock. Just doesn't seem right or even possible.

I have some vortec heads that I want to use after I have them checked and cleaned. And also swap out the cam and intake to match. Paint the engine and good to go.

My concern comes from, can I get away with this and not touching the bottom end?? Everywhere I read, they always machine the block. I know I can do a preliminary check of the cylinder walls and compression test and a leak down. But will I be asking for problems if I just bolt on my new parts and not work on the bottom end?

I have a limited budget and basically no time. So that is why it's such a big deal to me. Don't want to waste what resources I have and lose my butt in the end.

What would you do if you had my engine and budget? What have you done?

Sorry for the long post, thank you for all your help!