thanks everyone for your input you have rep, what should i use to scrub the exterior of the head? a brush of some kind? also could i use the brush on the interior of the head or should i not even worry about it, i mean it's not hurting anything just an oil stain.

onto the block- i will be taking my block to napa for a dip/clean and a hone. it's going to be about 100 bucks is that a good price? i figured i would paint it after i get it back with some high temp engine paint? like the 500 deg at auto zone? i have a haynes manual and plan to take it by the book on the re assembly, i will be buying the bearings and rings. will napa rings do? what about their bearings? i was planning to buy some locally but found theirs to be pretty cheap... also is there anything wrong with using a b18b crank/rod/piston combo in a b18a block?