If you want to use the Bluish Green exterior color used in 1947 (Seacrest Green), check the Tech Tips.
"I have read about cutting down the 848 head to increase combustion. is it worth porting and polishing the head while i am rebuilding the 261? "
Have you drilled the extra coolant passages in 848 head - to match the extra passages in the 261 block?
The 6 additional holes have to be drilled at a slight angle (there are posts about this).
If you can port/polish the head, go for it. I bet that was not done by most members when they rebuilt a 216/235/261 engine. There are experts here who have done this, and they will probably comment on this.
The aluminum timing gear is stronger - it was used in trucks.
The fiber timing gear is supposedly quieter - it was used in cars.
If you had a bad experience with a fiber gear, use an aluminum gear (you will sleep easier).
By the way, the title of this thread is "securing to an engine stand".
You could rename it "moving through topics".
Just change the name in the Title Box (or, better to start a new thread for each new/different topic).
