block guard isn't necessary. I asked the machine shop when I was building my motor and they said it would hurt cooling more than it would help strength for a street/strip motor.

You really don't need to resleeve either, unless your stock sleeves are jacked up...

You definitely need new rods and lower compression pistons with some good rings. Also consider balancing the bottom end, that's a really good way to help it run more smoothly and rev higher safely.

HIH.