How many valves are bent? My personal preference is Ferrea,Manley. I have used a lot of cheap SS valves also, but not on any "good" setups. If the intakes touched the pistons check them close. Start by pouring alcohol in there, and look for bleeders. Die grind clearance where needed on the pistons. Can you take a pic of the spot where they touched on the pistons? Did you run some clay through it? What did it look like?
