The small block story

This past summer I had finally decided the 350 small block needed an upgrade. My plan was just to put new cylinder heads on and call it at that. This was also to allow me more options with valve covers since the heads on the motor were center bolt heads. I got heads off Facebook marketplace. This soon escalated to a full Cam swap and top end rebuild. I had decided on a Comp Cams Hydraulic Flat Tappet Thumpr cam kit. Once I had the parts it was time to pull the motor and begin the motor tear down. The tear down was alot of fun and my introduction into working on a motor. I installed new Cam Bearings in my garage, all while not removing the crank or pistons, which was tedious but needed. After that it was time to finally start putting the motor back together. Once i began putting the motor together and it came time for the heads I noticed they had stripped studs and decided to have a motor shop install new ones. They gave me a call to inform me they needed more work then worth it fir the cast heads. So naturally I bought some aluminum Edelbrock heads. Now the motor was all set to be put together, I had even bought a Quick Fuel 750 from a car parts garage sale. I had asked the motor shop to do the break in on the motor since I was a little worried about doing it incorrectly and wiping out the cam or a lifter, they again called with bad news telling me that this 350 could be used but had sleeves in all 8 cylinders among some other bottom end problems. He offered to continue with the small block but advised there could be issues down the line. I then decided to cut my losses and proceed with a different motor.