A "kit" is just a way for the parts vendors to put the vacuum cleaner into your pocket. The parts you need are virtually all available on Ebay, or possibly by special order at a local parts store such as O'Reilly, Auto Zone, or maybe NAPA. While you've got the oil pan off, you should pull a couple of main bearing caps and inspect those bearings, also. The #2 and #3 mains are easy to inspect. #1 has a couple of small bolts that thread into the timing cover, and the #4 bearing cap also carries the rear oil seal for the crankshaft, so don't disturb those unless you find worn or scored bearings on 2 and 3. Engines made after mid-year 1955 have main bearings that can be changed pretty easily by rolling the upper bearing shells out of the block. 54 and early 55 mains have a locator dowel on the upper bearing shells that require the crankshaft to be lowered almost a full inch. That's a real PITA that usually makes it easier to pull the engine and work with it on a stand. Drop me a private message if you like, and I'll send you some specifications from my shop manual to use when measuring the crankshaft to be sure you buy the right size bearings. The standard size of the connecting rod journals is 2.3125", and the normal undersizes are .010", .020", and .030". "Undersize" bearings usually have a number stamped on the back of the bearing shell indicating the size. Have fun!
Jerry
