complete engine rebuilt or not.

[joww3]

Hi, I have another problem/question. I got my 71 Charger SE with 383 Mag last summer 2005, it had been sitting in a garage for the last 15 years or more, last time it ran was about 5 years ago around the block until it ran out of gas, last summer after I got it in my garage, I put gas in the tank and prime the line and carb, and it started right up, first it smoke for about 10 minute, and then it had not smoke at all, and the exhaust smell ok too, it runs fine. The engine was rebuilt 10 thousand miles ago, but that was in 1983, 23 years ago. Transmission was rebuilt 5 thousand miles ago, that was in 1987, 19 years ago. The heads were rebuilt with the engine in 1983.
I was going to leave the head and engine block alone, and just replace the camshaft/lifters, intake, carb, rockers, headers and basically not touching the block and heads, but now after pulling all the parts out, the engine block is screaming at me and said pull me out. I had never done this before, I did replace a camshaft, intake and carb back in the high school days ( 77-79). My questions is should I pull the engine and do a complete overhaul? or should I put all the replacement parts that I have and run the car untill the engine need another rebuilt? I know 10 thousand miles is not much on a rebuilt engine, but 23 years ago, is that too long ago? that's way older than my kids.
The cost to rebuilt is always a problem, but I can work that in. But the knowledge and ability to rebuilt the engine is my main concern, I want to do this myself but not sure I can handle it or not.
What do you guys think? Should the engine gets a complete rebuilt? I did strip the whole car down and restore and clean everything. I also have a complete front end kit and front disc brake conversion ready to put in. My feeling is I want to pull the engine, but the job maybe bigger than I am.

[dodge freak]

I would just put fresh oil and a filter on it, and new spark plugs and wires. Change the coolant too. Drive it for a little while , might be fine. The rings might not be as tight and the springs might be a little weak but if it did not rust inside ,it could be ok. Run it at least a few days and see if it smokes, if it does not I would just run it. Engines are not like people they don't just age as time goes by, they get worn out. If it doesn't get use it doesn't get old.

[joww3]

Thanks for the info, It's good to know engine don't age like we do. I did run the car a total of about 10 miles and start in at least twice a week before I took it apart. I think it ran fine. I removed the rocker arms the day before, the springs look fine. Maybe I should put it back together and enjoy the ride instead.

[71440charger]

 

[joww3]

I decided to pull the engine, so it will be easier to change the front end, and to finish Clean/detail the engine and compartment. Hope it is worth the trouble.

[TylerCharger69]

This obviously isn't your case...but a lot of times, when an engine sits for too long, the rings will seize to the cylinder walls....No wear to the engine,  but it has been known to happen.    But, I agree....if it fired right up,  and shows no smoke...run it!!!!