351c Rebuild

I am in the process of rebuilding my 351c for my 67 mercury m100 and I have a couple of small concerns that I just need reassurance on. First question is with the connecting rods, they have two small indents that hold the bearings from moving and I'm pretty sure that it doesn't matter but do they have to be aligned to the pistons a certain way? Secondly is the valve seals, the person who machined my motor gave me the special ones that have the small little spring built into them, do I have to press these on to the heads or do i just put them on the valves before I put the valve assembly together? My next question is just a curiosity thing, my engine gasket kit came with its own valve seals, different ones for the exhaust and the intake but for whatever reason they give you twice as many seals for the intake, why is that?

Oh ya and check out the valves on my 4v heads, 2.19 on the intake and 1.75 on the exhaust!!!

Not meant to offend , but I think you should find someone to help you out and show you the basics. There are many little traps and things that need checking when you are assembling an engine and you really need someone to show you and you can ask questions along the way. I admire you for "having a go" but don't let it end in tears....
BTW, I hope that the paint on the "inside" of the heads is armature paint? Very few paints will last long on the inside of an engine.... and the last thing you want is it flaking off and blocking the oil pick-up....

Originally Posted by gramsay

First question is with the connecting rods, they have two small indents that hold the bearings from moving and I'm pretty sure that it doesn't matter but do they have to be aligned to the pistons a certain way?

Just fit the bearings and see. If they sit in nice, you did it the correct way.