i thinking of buying some pistons, do you have to pull the motor out to change the rods and pistons, etc. or can you just work with the motor in the chasis but with the head off???

 

either way its up to you. i prefer pulling it out and organizing the tools/bolts and nuts.

 

You have to drop the oil pan also. I would say pull the motor, unless you like spending time on your back trying to work on the motor.....does not sound like a good time to me

 

it wouldnt be horribly bad to work with it in the engine. put the front end up on jack stands take off the oil pan. it would be best to put whatever rod journal at BDC so its easily accessible. then just run the pistons from the top of the head with a ring compressor and bolt the cap and bearing assembly from the bottom. u will spend some time on your back but it will end up being faster than taking out the engine. opium daze makes a good point about organizing the tools.