Fred & Chuck - many thanks to you both for your insights!
It looks like a tear down is in order...tough one given I confirmed this morning after reviewing notes, receipts, etc. that the car has traveled only 5,000 miles (over 15 years) since last complete tear down.
Speaking of last rebuild, nothing but stock spec internals...which is what I plan do to again this time around. In looking at the machine shop notes...original block was bored out 0.030. This was done some time before I bought the Kar in 2001. I understand it's not recommended (generally) to go over 0.030 which I don't want to do. Hopefully a dip and good hone will do the trick.
Guys, if I get bad news do I sonic test and see if block is a candidate to bump out to 0.060 or am I looking to find a bit of a unicorn 54+ years later in the form of a donor block with standard bore & date codes that fall in line?
Finally, are there recommendations for engine rebuild (stock) parts....vendors for camshaft, pistons, etc.? I want to start generating a list based on full rebuild (knowing it'll change once it's opened up), so I can get a sense of the $ for parts....then it's negotiation time with the wife. lol.
Anyway, as mentioned above, I was involved in the last engine build 15 years ago...but I'd classify myself in the process as the 'apprentice'. My father-in-law was the guy...very talented with anything mechanical. He's since passed (which I think has contributed to my lack of interest in driving the Kar over the past 10 years..just not the same)....so I'll be doing this myself...and as a novice...probably going to ask basic questions, so thanks for your patience.
Kevin