Pulled the 261 head today. I may have got lucky. Sight unseen from a wrecking yard and here's what I found:
Hadn't been steam cleaned and wasn't apparently leaking oil. Warped intake manifold. Standard bores, 0.003 taper, no scratches, no apparent ridge. Head and block have "steam holes" but the gasket does not. It hangs over the edge of the bores a little. Head has had 2 exhaust valves replaced or those are the one that weren't replaced. I pulled 2 exhausts and one intake so far; the stems on the odd valve is worn 0.005 and has stellite tip while the one that's like the other 4 is not worn and has no tip, intake is fine. I may have to replace at least one guide. Don't know yet. Looking at Rock Auto, they list what look like guide inserts (0.030 or 0.060 wall) but they don't have any in stock. I'd rather replace the whole guide. Were these heads integral guides? Other 50s era Chev sixes I've encountered had replaceable guides My other 848 head now has bronze guides. I apparently can get stellite valves for $7 ea. But the machine shop I used on my other head opted for stainless didn't recommend stellite. Any opinions about that? Any opinions on umbrella valve-stem seals vs the factory quad rings? I've never had a problem with the factory setup but always ready for an upgrade.
At this point, I'm thinking I may replace whatever guides and valves it needs, clean it up, swap the accessories from the engine now in service and put it in. Well, maybe a new oil pump; ya for sure a new oil pump. It's only a hundred bucks. But here's the rub, the head that's in service has no-lead seat/valve combo and I don't know what this 261 head has in that regard. The head that's in service is a 235 head and I'd have to drill six cooling holes. That's not the end of the world but I'd rather not do it if I don't have to.
