If ur going to reuse the lower end I'd change all of the internals, the crank, bearings, rods and pistons and then have the walls honed out. Its a high mileage motor unless u already did that when u had it rebuilt.
I've heard gingerbreads car run, it sounded good:) Its maybe like u said gingerbreadman, u might have to invest in a motor that doesn't have as many miles as this one has. It seems to be giving u nothing but problems.
That sucks, if u guys are going on the 12th I wont be able to go. I have a ski trip that weekend in Vermont at Mt. Snow. I'm going to have to go to the next one. Shit, I was looking forward to going.