I am currently rebuilding my 1956 Chevrolet 261 with an 850 head that came out of my 6100 2 Ton and I am looking for suggestions on what you did on your engine rebuild that you liked or didn't like. Right now everything is fully dissembled and I'm just waiting for the machine shop to tell me to deliver all the parts. Everything on it now appears to be stock and it does not appear that is has ever been taken apart to this level. The internals aren't too bad and all of the bearing oil clearances actually measured within spec for used components according to the shop manual (obviously they are all getting replaced). The only think that was obviously broken was one of the piston rings on piston number 4.
Are there specific things I should have the machine shop do besides the standard items? I am going to have the machine shop drill and port it for full bypass oil filtration but other than that I'm open to suggestions.
Are there any upgrades or modifications I should be looking at doing? I plan on keeping it pretty much stock but I have thought about putting on headers and a dual carb set up. What is your opinion on that set up?
What are some little specific things I should watch out for when reassembling the motor? I have the shop manual so it should be pretty straight forward but do you have any tricks or tips that apply to this specific motor?
What are your favorite gasket sets? Head gasket, Rear Main gasket, Oil Pan Gasket.
What parts of the motor would you suggest upgrading? HEI system, alternator, fuel pump, etc.
Are new cam shafts available or should I send mine out to be reground?
I know it's a lot of questions but this is my first engine rebuild that is bigger than a lawn mower.
Thanks
