I finally invested in a 250 block, but am still collecting parts before I get it prepped at a machine shop. Nearly the whole thing is painted black except for internals (cylinder walls, lifter bores, water jackets, etc). But cylinder deck is painted as well as the lifter valley, I assume this was to prevent the surfaces from rusting. During prep, I intend to get the block dipped in an acid bath to really clean it up. Until then, I was wondering if you guys had any tips for protecting the internal surfaces from rust, like the cylinder walls and such.

Thanks for your input.

 

Depending on the conditions where it's stored, either grease or oil... gear lube and in an enormous garbage bag is probably best. Cyl walls, lifter bores, the dist hole, all bearing journals.

Wouldn't be a bad idea to take it to the quarter car wash and run rifle brushes through all the oil passages first. Do that early in the morning and let it sit out in the sun all day to dry.

 

Leave it as it is right now and take it to a machine shop and let them clean it when you get it built.