I just got my 848 head back from the machine shop. I thought I would share the progress. Anyone else thinking about this sort of project might find this info interesting
This head was a gift from Leo (1953 Panel). It was presented as a decent, clean used head. I forget now if he said the engine was running prior to disassembly (Leo can fill in the blanks). Anyway, upon inspection, the head turned out to be crack free and ready for the upgrades necessary to use it with my 261 engine (Also a gift -- from Scott 48bigtrucks Ward). This head has been through the full spa treatment -- steam holes drilled (to mate to the 261's water jacket), new valves, guides and seats, spring seals and it has been decked/resurfaced. For those contemplating how much, total bill from the machine shop was $625. I have no idea if that is good, bad or average. Not possible to have the work done locally, so this was done as a package deal with another 'Bolter in the Philly Area ... (Guess who??
) who has access to a known good machine shop. I have some clean up to do before it can go on (plus, we have a whole bunch of work to do with the block yet, anyway.
The 3rd image shows two of the steam holes.
In the last picture, you will see proof that not all 261 blocks have the "Captain's Bars" This block is a 1st year (1954) and does not have that casting mark. Also, the early 261's will accept the 216 water pump in the correct position that doesn't require the adapter mounting plate.
V/R
John
