I have a chance to pick up a 5bi kit for a good price.  I was thinking about giving to my dad for his birthday.  He's retired and has been looking for something to work on.  He has a 9" lathe and and 8x30 mill in the shop.  I'd love to hear from someone who's built one as to how good of a first project it would be?  Is there anything in particular to look out for?  I've built a couple of engines from stock but have never worked from a casting kit before.

Thanks,
Mike

Hi Mike
I have a different pm research engine and the castings are of good quality.

You say its his first project and that he has the equipment, assuming its not his first machining then it would be a good engine.  If his equipment is new then I would not start on a casting engine.   There was a write up in model engineer a couple of years ago.  I will dig out the arrivals if you wish

Regards