302 Engine rebuild materials?

[HISSIN50]

there is a lot of great info in here. i did not read it all, so if i duplicated something, my apologies.

i do agree that your mill is probably in good shape (a compression test or leakdown can tell a lot).

for your project, can you just [re]build another motor. that way you have one ready for when yours goes south, but that way you arent fixing something that aint broke?
that is the route i would go, if it fits in with your school project.

good luck.