Original owner here, really pumped to see how this project has been coming along!

Great videos Zach I'm going to swing by to check that thing out sometime

Just a FYI, any time I am rebuilding an engine I always use Super Clean degreaser in the purple bottle. It's the absolute best and will eat oil staining out of cylinder blocks, heads, etc. I will spray it on, let it sit and eat for a few minutes, and scrub it with multiple different shaped small stiff bristle brushes/toothbrush and rinse it off. It's some seriously amazing stuff. I didn't see what you used for degreaser, but next time you should seriously consider giving it a shot. Edit: I see you're using Simple Green, seriously junk compared to Super Clean. I am in no way affiliated with them, but I recommend a good product to other car guys when it works for me. Just don't use it on anodized or painted aluminum.