Being able to do, and knowing what to do, are 2 different things. Trial and error, over time, will help with knowing what to do. Buying a short block might be a shortcut to acquiring some of that knowledge. Find out what the experts are doing. Go from there. Hand tools? Does this include measuring tools? Micrometers, bore gauges, along with hone, CCing equipment, ignition timing tools, pop off gauge, compression gauge, some way to measure the cam timing? Gauge pens for checking the carburetor holes are always handy. Reamers come in very handy for adjusting jet bores and the holes in the carburetor. At about $20 apiece, a complete collection of "needed" reamers can get expensive.