Best Time to Order Parts
 

Ok, this may seem like a silly question, but it's my current dilemma.

I plan to tear down my engine in the next couple of months. The organized and planning side of myself wants to order all the parts I expect to need now so I have them all on hand the second the engine is a apart. The other side of me realizes that I won't think of everything in advance, and I'm sure to goof up some fastners, break some studs and find new things I never knew I'd need and then end up having to place subsequent orders.

Should I just get what I know I need now, and wait on the rest, or is it best-practice to get everything open and apart, assess what I need and then place a full order then?

You will have time to order while you wait for parts to be returned from the machine shop.

I would wait. Like you pointed out, you will definitely need some additional stuff. Tear it down, writing everything down that you will need as you tear it down, then place the order.

This is a good resource:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/MotorCity/marcesq3/TrannyRebuild.htm

I recommend buying what you need after you tear down the engine. You won't know what you need until then.

Also, anticipate buying many things that you forgot...

-Wayne