A good bit of progress. With the trusty Wilde 600 (Thank-you Amazon), the short block is now free of valves, lifters and camshaft(with gear attached).
The springs are not all the same height, regardless of whether intake or exhaust. So is there spec or should I just buy new ones from MM? I'm creating a list and will be checking it at least twice. ;^)
The only things remaining are the three troublesome manifold stud that my stud puller did not grab, an testy 1/8 pipe barb fitting on an oil line and those three pesky small brass stoppers that looked to be glued in on this block. Plus removing the idler gear... but all are soaking in PB blaster so I have hope.
Should be able to get my friend to look at it this weekend and drop it off at the machine shop next week.