It sounds like you’re doing just a basic overhaul (as opposed to an actual rebuilt). I’m assuming you are planning on new piston rings after you get the block back and are going to be checking the clearances on the rod and main bearings as the engine goes back together.

As long as you’re this far into it I would recommend that your send the valves and heads both into the machine shop. Have the heads checked to for any warpage and milled if necessary. Get the valve guide clearance checked and actually have a valve job done rather than just lapping the valves and throwing the heads back together.

With the heads apart and probably needing at least a little minor milling to get them straight the shop won’t have any problem bead blasting them to get them clean prior to the machine work.

Have the shop assemble the heads for you and that way they can also check spring height and pressure. If the roller rockers are you are planning on are need any additional machine work that can also be handled at this time and most importantly can check for coil bind if the rockers are over the stock ratio.

That will solve one problem for you (removing all the rust and being ready for paint) and you’ll have a pair of heads that will likely seal better, not suck oil, or be damaged on the first fire up (which is basically the crap shoot you’re in now).

If you elect to disregard the above, a wire wheel on a drill or die grinder will do about as well as anything. ACTUAL engine paint will adhere well to just about anything , take the heat and hold it’s color well.


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