Yes, go ahead and do an inspection of the lower end- - - -look for whether or not the crankshaft has been reground, and what condition the connecting rod and main bearing journals are in. If the crank isn't scored or ground way undersize, that's information you'll need to know before some machinist starts adding up figures on his calculator at warp speed. Most professionals don't like to regrind cranks more than .030" undersize. Cylinder bores usually max out at .060" oversize, although some people are willing to go to 80 over. You'll also be wise to get the big ends of the connecting rods reconditioned to assure good bearing fit and the proper oil clearances.
If you're planning to do any serious engine building, here's a handy tool. It's how the pros check for cylinder taper instead of doing the ring and feeler gauge trick, plus it's handy for checking bearing bores and reconditioning connecting rods, etc.
https://www.amazon.com/iGaging-34-6...mp;psc=1&refRID=QA499P3CN3B6WZQF97AJAlong with a good set of inside and outside micrometers, you'll be able to "test, not guess" where engine dimensions are concerned.
Jerry
