Moparts
440 Source Stealth Heads
Posted By: iron6
440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 11:47 AM
Ok after waiting a year porting and flowing my Stealth Heads! I thought I was ready to bolt them on. FOLLOWING the directions in the box from 440 Source, buying correct gaskets, changing to 928 springs and 10 degree retainers, following the prescribed #torque. I was ready to set the valve lash. It was fine until setting the Intakes there wasn't enough clearance for the 3/8 pushrod. Now what? Call 440 Source and the answer is!!!! Oh didn't anyone tell you when you bought them you have to clearance the intakes??????? NO NO and NO. Not on the install sheet, not in the add and certainly not when I order. Advertisement read great heads bolt on the power. THANKS 440 Source!!!!!!!!!! Is there anything else I need to know before I fire and make a run down the track??????
Posted By: yella71
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 11:56 AM
Yeah, check everything twice before assembly. No aftermarket part is " bolt on " and go in my experance. Check it all. Then check it again. And if in doubt call the tec line.
Posted By: ireland383
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 01:27 PM
I agree, no part is bolt on with out checking. Especially aftermarket.
Posted By: GTXKen
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 01:39 PM
Right....and the aftermarket is not accountable for quality.
More Kool aid?
Posted By: BigBlockMopar
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 01:59 PM
So did the Edelbrock heads when using 1.6 rockers.
Just get out the grinder and live happily ever after. Or, upto the next snatch ofcourse.
Posted By: WILD BILL
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 02:03 PM
Quote:
So did the Edelbrock heads when using 1.6 rockers.
Just get out the grinder and live happily ever after. Or, upto the next snatch ofcourse.
We had to grind my Eddy's for clearence. 
Posted By: therocks
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 02:21 PM
My Stealths fit with the 3/8 push rods.They are super close but dont touch.As said always check everything.I also changed me locks, springs and retainers.My machinist also back cut the valves and cleaned them a bit.Would have done it with just about any head.Rocky
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 03:54 PM
So you're surprsied a non-stock pushrod side won't fit? I wouldn't be, but for the price and considering it's an aftermarket part you'd think they'd have worked that into the design.
Posted By: iron6
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 04:30 PM
The challenge wasn't they needed clearanced. When you look at them it looks like they'll clear until you bolt them on and put the rocker shafts on to set vash lash. They put everything on the install sheet but check the clearance. Just trying to put info out there for the next guy. I've been checking out the info on the Stealth heads for over a year and never saw a post on clearance problems. All and all they came out nice we'll see what the improvement is in two weeks at T&T. I'm really not trying to be negective about the heads.
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 04:36 PM
Install sheet? I never got no install sheet. Just a set of heads in a box.
Posted By: AndyF
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 05:57 PM
Try a set of Victor heads!
Posted By: Dodgem
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 06:45 PM
I just hand ported a set for a friend and stealths definately are not Edelbrocks. I clearanced the pushrod holes while I was at it so I hope he has no issues on test fit.
I had to do my Indy SR's too but like you found out after assembly!!! LOL!!!
Posted By: HealthServices
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 06:48 PM
Quote:
...and stealths definately are not Edelbrocks.
Not to slam anyone but just wondering what that meant.
i just would like to know what needs attention on these heads? i understand they need the standard "blueprint"..ck valve job,guides/stems clearance,straightness, installed height,proper springs for cam,maybe backcut the valves?,...but is there any other things besides pushrods?....and the most of all how is the stock and ported stealth airflow vs 906.+.ported 906 big valves! actual numbers,and or hp increases please...i cant be the only one interested. not really interested in ede's...looking for stock look.
Posted By: Dodgem
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 07:52 PM
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Quote:
...and stealths definately are not Edelbrocks.
Not to slam anyone but just wondering what that meant.
Not nearly as nice kinda crude (well Chinese so to speak) no way an OOTB Stealth will flow what and OOTB eddie will.
Posted By: ireland383
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 09:13 PM
Oh here we go again.
I'll take Stealths any day over Eddies for price.
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 09:20 PM
Quote:
Quote:
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...and stealths definately are not Edelbrocks.
Not to slam anyone but just wondering what that meant.
Not nearly as nice kinda crude (well Chinese so to speak) no way an OOTB Stealth will flow what and OOTB eddie will.
Not to start a 
but do you have the flow numbers to back up that claim? Because the numbers I have, done by a respected moparts head porter, show OOTB eddy vs OOTB stealth to be within +/- 4% of each other across the board.
Posted By: dOrk !
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 09:25 PM
Quote:
I agree, no part is bolt on with out checking. Especially aftermarket.
SOUNDS LIKE you have run into some POOR QUALITY stuff.
IMO ...if you buy an "assembly" that is claimed to be BOLT-ON ... it should not need additional "checking".
Posted By: Chris2581
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 09:54 PM
A neighbor just bought a set of Stealth heads...VERY nice.He is changing the springs and locks and such as he is running a large cam,but he brought them to the machine shop to make sure everything with the valve job and guide clearance was good and they were just fine.
Posted By: iron6
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 10:20 PM
My 906's ported by COMP U Flow on his bench flowed 258 intake and 210 exhaust @ 600 lift. On a 472 Stroker with 640 lift cam ran 10.96 with a 3465# 67 Dodge at Norwalk CC event last season.
The Stealth Heads ported, I just put on flowed 284 Intake and 214 Exhaust @ 600 lift. In two weeks I'll let you know what the difference is. One thing for sure there is 40# off the front of the car. Thanks for all the comments see you all in Columbus, OH in May.
Posted By: ireland383
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 10:28 PM
No not poor quality, just common sense says to look a part over before you bolt on.
Posted By: sixbbl69
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 10:38 PM
Quote:
Oh here we go again. I'll take Stealths any day over Eddies for price.
and you get what you pay for.not saying anything bad about any head.
Posted By: dOrk !
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 10:44 PM
Quote:
No not poor quality, just common sense says to look a part over before you bolt on.
COMMON SENSE ? .... so if you buy a complete motor or transmission ... you should DISassemble that and check-all the internals?
Posted By: 2fast4yourBrain
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 10:53 PM
I can understand changing the locks (and springs for high lift cams), but why change the retainers if you're not racing?
Something wrong w/them?
Seems like a waste. I think for added insurance, the heads should just come with 10* Comp locks.
Posted By: 68 Roadrunner
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 11:10 PM
Quote:
I can understand changing the locks (and springs for high lift cams), but why change the retainers if you're not racing?
Something wrong w/them?
Seems like a waste. I think for added insurance, the heads should just come with 10* Comp locks.
For sure! I couldn't believe when the guy at 440 Source told me I had to change them because my cam was over .510 lift. Are a lot of guys buying aluminum heads and running small cams? Should just come with them standard IMO. So far that is my only complaint. I still don't have the motor assembled so I can't tell you how well they work! 
Posted By: rexus31
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/17/10 11:42 PM
Double check the fitment of the head gaskets to make sure they do not breach the chamber.
Posted By: Twostick
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 12:04 AM
Crate Hemi was a perfect example of why that is a GOOD idea. If it comes out of a box assume it is FUBAR.
Kevin
Posted By: GTXKen
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 04:37 AM
I don't get it. Why do people jump up and defend Edelbrock or 440 Source heads and say that you should expect to have to clean them up or do some work and yet in another post where people are complaining about a $75 sending unit and everyone agrees the aftermarket is to blame?
As consumers we should at least expect that a set of heads that costs from $1000 to $2000 and are promoted as bolt ons should at minimum have a proper valve job including spring heights and stem heights etc.
Allowing manufactures to send out product that has to be checked or realistically redone just enforces the behavior that they can turn out poor quality and we will continue to pay for it.
If they are turning out rough unfinished castings then sell them as such.
Posted By: draginmopars
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 05:56 AM
i bought an early set...I found out after porting / removing the pinch area, then went to check pushrod length,
3/8 were rubbbing with a .588 cam. I couldn't clearance the rods cause the wall was already thin
Called Manton got some 11/32 dia.
Been runnning them 2 years now no problems [image]
[/image]
Posted By: Stanton
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 01:10 PM
Quote:
As consumers we should at least expect that a set of heads that costs from $1000 to $2000 and are promoted as bolt ons should at minimum have a proper valve job including spring heights and stem heights etc.
Personally I think everyone takes the "bolt-on" or "ready to run" statement too literally.
Buying car parts is no different than buying a door at Home Hardware - it may need some material shaved off the edge before it closes or need the hinges moved a tad to fit.
Or how about buying a "ready to serve" TV dinner - sure its ready to serve ... AFTER you heat it up.
And then there's the fact that car guys are a picky bunch. I don't doubt that those heads are WAY better out of the box than any head that came on your original car BUT ... someone tore a set down and they weren't absolutely perfect so now everyone is expecting Super Stock quality parts when that was never the manufacturers intention to provide.
Let's face it guys, $1000 for a pair of aluminum heads is pretty damn cheap. And if you bolted them on with stock hardware (what they're made for) they'd likely work just fine and give you years of trouble-free service.
Posted By: therocks
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 02:00 PM
As my machinist said they werent bad for a grand.They arent a $3000 set of heads.If my motor wasnt so radical and 4 speed I could have run them pretty much out of the box.But with a .588 solid cam I swapped stuff.Im still happy with them for the price.Even if they were hi buck heads I would have them checked anyway.Rocky
Posted By: ireland383
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 02:45 PM
Quote:
Quote:
As consumers we should at least expect that a set of heads that costs from $1000 to $2000 and are promoted as bolt ons should at minimum have a proper valve job including spring heights and stem heights etc.
Personally I think everyone takes the "bolt-on" or "ready to run" statement too literally.
Buying car parts is no different than buying a door at Home Hardware - it may need some material shaved off the edge before it closes or need the hinges moved a tad to fit.
Or how about buying a "ready to serve" TV dinner - sure its ready to serve ... AFTER you heat it up.
And then there's the fact that car guys are a picky bunch. I don't doubt that those heads are WAY better out of the box than any head that came on your original car BUT ... someone tore a set down and they weren't absolutely perfect so now everyone is expecting Super Stock quality parts when that was never the manufacturers intention to provide.
Let's face it guys, $1000 for a pair of aluminum heads is pretty damn cheap. And if you bolted them on with stock hardware (what they're made for) they'd likely work just fine and give you years of trouble-free service.
Well said Stanton!
Posted By: 68 Roadrunner
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 02:54 PM
Not too start an argument here. But I have to say I disagree. A bolt on part should be just that. I manage a Lumberyard / hardware store. When we sell a door it is ready to install. You don't need to adjust the hinges or trim the edge! (atleast not on a prehung door) If I was selling just a door slab that a person was going to retrofit into an old door frame...then that would be a different story. But I wouldn't advertise that as a "bolt on" type part. (like the heads are) If they are selling them as a "bolt on" then they should be ready to install. I can't even imagine selling someone a new steel entry door and then they had to move the hinges and "trim the edge". Just my
Posted By: 2boltmain
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 02:54 PM
The 510" lift max of the stock springs is probably due to the fact that the heads are a stock replacement type head- and compared to stock cams a 510 lift cam (509) is much much bigger/aggressive than stock. ???
Posted By: 68 Roadrunner
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 02:56 PM
Quote:
The 510" lift max of the stock springs is probably due to the fact that the heads are a stock replacement type head- and compared to stock cams a 510 lift cam (509) is much much bigger/aggressive than stock. ???
That makes sense. I guess I don't consider them a stock replacement head.
Posted By: 68 Roadrunner
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 02:57 PM
Are a lot of guys really putting these heads on a totally stock motor?
Posted By: dOrk !
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 03:25 PM
Quote:
Not too start an argument here. But I have to say I disagree. A bolt on part should be just that. I manage a Lumberyard / hardware store. When we sell a door it is ready to install. You don't need to adjust the hinges or trim the edge! (atleast not on a prehung door) If I was selling just a door slab that a person was going to retrofit into an old door frame...then that would be a different story. But I wouldn't advertise that as a "bolt on" type part. (like the heads are) If they are selling them as a "bolt on" then they should be ready to install. I can't even imagine selling someone a new steel entry door and then they had to move the hinges and "trim the edge". Just my
THERE you go ...... now to the guy that compares a set of these (or any) heads to heating-up a TV dinner ? ... 
Posted By: dOrk !
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 03:28 PM
Quote:
Are a lot of guys really putting these heads on a totally stock motor?
I would suggest that THIS would be a major mistake .. it could slow the car down .. big-time.
Posted By: ireland383
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 03:49 PM
Posted By: dOrk !
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 03:54 PM
Oh geese ..
GO heat-up yerrr TV dinner !
Posted By: ireland383
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 03:57 PM
That wasn't meant directly to you, just this thread is beatin to death. We need to bring back the horse icon.
Posted By: 68 Roadrunner
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 04:08 PM
Quote:
That wasn't meant directly to you, just this thread is beatin to death. We need to bring back the horse icon.
Posted By: dOrk !
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 04:19 PM
...NOT directly ? ..
I don't think that THIS aspect is beng beat-to-death at all. At WHAT POINT do you accept an "assembly" as being good ? ...and not needing further inspection.
Cyl heads ? .. you don't. Complete transmission? .. you do ?
Why don't you give us a list of the assemblies that you will accept as-is and TRUST. And the ones that you do not. And WHY....you do or don't.
Posted By: 68 Roadrunner
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 04:23 PM
Quote:
...NOT directly ? ..
I don't think that THIS aspect is beng beat-to-death at all. At WHAT POINT do you accept an "assembly" as being good ? ...and not needing further inspection.
Cyl heads ? .. you don't. Complete transmission? .. you do ?
Why don't you give us a list of the assemblies that you will accept as-is and TRUST. And the ones that you do not. And WHY....you do or don't.
Good point. Do you pull apart a new oil pump?
Posted By: GTXKen
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 04:30 PM
Thats my point...
If you read my entire post I referenced other posts here on MOPARTS where the quality of a $75 part is trashed as substandard because it dosen't come working abnd ready to install and yet it seems like heads are the exception. Where does it stop? Should I have to disassemble and check my new MSD coil, an alternator?
Posted By: ireland383
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 04:37 PM
I guess on certain parts you have to roll the dice on. Obviously every part is not going to be defective or need attention.
Posted By: GTXKen
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 04:39 PM
Quote:
I guess on certain parts you have to roll the dice on. Obviously every part is not going to be defective or need attention.
Thats the attitude that allows manufactures to produce a poor product. If it does not meet spec or work return it.
Posted By: Stanton
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 04:41 PM
Quote:
When we sell a door it is ready to install. You don't need to adjust the hinges or trim the edge!
And when was the last time you sold one of these doors that didn't need the frame shimmed ?!?! Sure, it fit the opening BUT it required some additional work to fit and work properly.
Quote:
A bolt on part should be just that.
And they are, but NOT with a .700 lift roller cam, 1.7:1 offset rockers and other miscellaneous non-stock items.
Posted By: ireland383
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 04:42 PM
So be it. Either you buy it or they'll sell it to the next guy.
Posted By: therocks
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 04:52 PM
Well its like buying a crank or rods.Would you just open the box and install.Yeah you might get lucky but its worth the effort to check it.Ive pulled new oil pumps aprt to check them.Just a caution.Ive installed too many NEW parts at work that were stock replacements that didnt work.With $$$ in a motor Id rather be safe than sorry.Rocky
Posted By: dOrk !
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 04:53 PM
Quote:
A bolt on part should be just that.
And they are, but NOT with a .700 lift roller cam, 1.7:1 offset rockers and other miscellaneous non-stock items.
Oh geese ... this is NOT what we are talking about ..... most DO have more "stock" items than that ..
Posted By: 68 Roadrunner
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 04:58 PM
Quote:
Quote:
When we sell a door it is ready to install. You don't need to adjust the hinges or trim the edge!
And when was the last time you sold one of these doors that didn't need the frame shimmed ?!?! Sure, it fit the opening BUT it required some additional work to fit and work properly.
Quote:
A bolt on part should be just that.
And they are, but NOT with a .700 lift roller cam, 1.7:1 offset rockers and other miscellaneous non-stock items.
The frame shimmed??? That would be like saying that you have to install the heads with the gaskets. Not really modifying the door just standard installation. Do you need to put the head bolts in or just set them on and fire it up?!
I guess I don't think your example really works.
Posted By: GTXKen
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 05:23 PM
Quote:
Well its like buying a crank or rods.Would you just open the box and install.Yeah you might get lucky but its worth the effort to check it.Ive pulled new oil pumps aprt to check them.Just a caution.Ive installed too many NEW parts at work that were stock replacements that didnt work.With $$$ in a motor Id rather be safe than sorry.Rocky
The same in some ways, not in another.
If they say they are balanced to X then they shoule be balanced to X. If you are matching the rods to a cranke thats been ground and you have to match the sizes then thats another story.
Likewise back to the heads...
If it comes assembled with valves ground they should be ground correctly, seats should be at the correct height.
If I decide to run oversize pushrods well then I should have some work to do on my own.
Posted By: GTXKen
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 05:25 PM
Quote:
So be it. Either you buy it or they'll sell it to the next guy.
But if enough people tak a pass they have to improve the quality.
If you accept poor quality thats all you will ever get
Posted By: Commando1
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 05:26 PM
So what some of you are saying is, that for a grand they'll ship you a couple of ingots of aluminum and you will need to machine these billets into heads that fit your needs...
I'll keep my cast iron heads thank you. For a grand they can be made to flow as good as any.
And there won't be any surprises.
Posted By: GTXKen
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 05:33 PM
I am not condemming the Stealth heads. They are a good value compared to the rest of the market. They are great for someone looking to make 400-600 hp for less than a couple grand in heads.
But they could be better if QC was better...and QC would be better industry wide if consumers insisted on it.
Posted By: 68 Roadrunner
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 05:51 PM
Quote:
I am not condemming the Stealth heads. They are a good value compared to the rest of the market. They are great for someone looking to make 400-600 hp for less than a couple grand in heads.
But they could be better if QC was better...and QC would be better industry wide if consumers insisted on it.
I agree with you completely. I bought them because I would have had almost as much into rebuilding my 906's and they are aluminum so a guy can run more compression with pump gas. Hopefully they run good and I don't have any problems. 
Posted By: Dodgem
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 06:26 PM
Not to start a
but do you have the flow numbers to back up that claim? Because the numbers I have, done by a respected moparts head porter, show OOTB eddy vs OOTB stealth to be within +/- 4% of each other across the board.
well for starters many of the seats hung inside the ports for a sharp edge. all the seats were above the combustion chamber (or rather protruding below the combustion chamber roof) different amounts. Rough and crude behind seats into the port. Overall seats look cheap and crudely installed. Eddies come port matched source do not.
Crude bump on backside of the pushrod pinch in port.
One spring cup had hole off center thus it was held up on one side 1/4 of an inch holding the spring way crooked. Source sent out a new one after a major wine job!
the seat material ground real easy thank god to blend into the ports. seems soft to me??????
the aluminum itself seems softer than and edelbrock?????
+ you have to buy new retainers and keepers.
The overall fit and finish on an eddie head is way way better.
Just by eye balling can't see how they would flow as good as an eddy without a lot of hand work!! no flow numbers so who knows.
Valve job was fine. cc'd 81 low to 83 high
springs were 140 lb at 1.86 and 370 @ .600 lift
That said they are definatly the Walmart of aluminum heads good thing we took these apart to check them out especially on the cocked spring cup
After hand porting 2 sets of eddies then these I stand by "They Are not Edelbrocks"!!
are they better than spending time and money on iron heads Yes Way better!!! + the fuel requirement bonus.
Would "I" buy a set?? maybe but if I had a few more bucks I would try to move up in quality to Edelbrocks especially if they were going on OOTB
Posted By: 68 Roadrunner
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 06:28 PM
Quote:
Not to start a but do you have the flow numbers to back up that claim? Because the numbers I have, done by a respected moparts head porter, show OOTB eddy vs OOTB stealth to be within +/- 4% of each other across the board.
well for starters many of the seats hung inside the ports for a sharp edge. all the seats were above the combustion chamber (or rather protruding below the combustion chamber roof) different amounts. Rough and crude behind seats into the port. Overall seats look cheap and crudely installed. Eddies come port matched source do not.
Crude bump on backside of the pushrod pinch in port.
One spring cup had hole off center thus it was held up on one side 1/4 of an inch holding the spring way crooked. Source sent out a new one after a major wine job!
the seat material ground real easy thank god to blend into the ports. seems soft to me??????
the aluminum itself seems softer than and edelbrock?????
+ you have to buy new retainers and keepers.
The overall fit and finish on an eddie head is way way better.
Just by eye balling can't see how they would flow as good as an eddy without a lot of hand work!! no flow numbers so who knows.
Valve job was fine. cc'd 81 low to 83 high
springs were 140 lb at 1.86 and 370 @ .600 lift
That said they are definatly the Walmart of aluminum heads good thing we took these apart to check them out especially on the cocked spring cup
After hand porting 2 sets of eddies then these I stand by "They Are not Edelbrocks"!!
are they better than spending time and money on iron heads Yes Way better!!! + the fuel requirement bonus.
Would "I" buy a set?? maybe but if I had a few more bucks I would try to move up in quality to Edelbrocks especially if they were going on OOTB
Thanks for the info. 
Posted By: therocks
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 06:57 PM
Eddy had valve guide problems being too tight as did Indy and they are big bucks.Many sets of all have been run OTB but Ill have them checked even if I spring 3K for race heads.Rocky
Posted By: Fury Fan
Re: 440 Source Stealth Heads - 03/18/10 07:18 PM
Quote:
Quote:
And then there's the fact that car guys are a picky bunch. I don't doubt that those heads are WAY better out of the box than any head that came on your original car BUT ... someone tore a set down and they weren't absolutely perfect so now everyone is expecting Super Stock quality parts when that was never the manufacturers intention to provide.
Let's face it guys, $1000 for a pair of aluminum heads is pretty damn cheap. And if you bolted them on with stock hardware (what they're made for) they'd likely work just fine and give you years of trouble-free service.
Well said Stanton!
And it is NOT in your machinist's best interest to inspect a set of Stealths for you and say 'they're fine, there's nothing I could improve on them, send me your short block work only from now on'. 
No matter how honest he is, he's got a subconscious need to convince himself (and you) that he has higher skills and quality than mass-production.
And if they were perfect OOB, guys would be bitchin about a $2200 price tag. 
