Hey FB......
Regarding the period correct VECO 61 for the Taurus......
Recently, a guy gave me a K&B 61 which is virtually the same engine with a machined head and replaceable crankshaft prop stud.
It was locked up, no carb and had a lot of time on it....but no broken parts.
The next day I sent it to Clarence Lee and he cleaned it up and rebuilt it for $40.
It looks and feels like new.
I got a Perry carb (small intake) from Tower and it's ready to go.
This version of the K&B is not period correct because the original VECO had a huge o/d prop shaft that required reaming the prop hole..
Also, it had a die-cast head, 2 rings and took forever to get those rings to seat.
The later engines had a single ring.
You should be able to find several locally for cheap.
I dont think anyone would hold it against you for using the later model....even if they noticed!

DH