engine rebuilding, complete newbie Options

[mightyohm]

Ok, so I have myself a 2.0 core motor that I want to rebuild into something like a 2056. I am new at this whole engine rebuild thing, but I am willing to learn. I have the VW Wilson book and some general references.

Once I tear the core down and end up with a pile of parts, what do I do next?

From the book it sounds like you just take everything to your local machine shop. That includes:

1. case - inspection, align bore, etc
2. heads - valves, seats, crack repair, etc. mine definitely need some spark plug holes helicoiled and exhaust studs replaced
3. rods - inspection, rebushing?
4. crank - inspection, grinding, polishing, magnafluxing etc.

Does this sound about right? Where does balancing come in?

And most importantly... who does this work in the bay area? Is there one shop I can take everything to and they will know what to do (and not rip off a newbie like me)? Will they tell me honestly if any parts are not usable and recondition the ones that are? Should the heads go somewhere else? Do I need to clean this stuff before I take it in?

Sorry but I have a lot of questions. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)