From what is posted, I think the engine underperformed due to a combination of the engine builder/designer. Many of the people commenting here would have simply listened to the goals of the original poster and executed a package that would perform to his expectations using most of the same parts. There are risks you take as a home builder/hobbiest (for the money you may save? the satisfaction of doing it yourself? etc?) that may result in disappointing results unfortunately. But as we see the heads from Rod and Brett are not the reason for this engine not performing to expectations. I too feel Rod has reacted beyond fair and it does not surprise me because he has a legacy of that character. I still feel this post is worthwhile, it serves for all a learning experience on many fronts.