Quote:

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FWIW -
One reason why there are these crazy 'satisfied' customers for the Stealth heads is automotive demographics. Guys that can't afford (or don't want/need) super-high RPM and HP, buy them and run them as-is. Small cams, lower RPM, stock rockers, etc. They don't push the envelope, so the corner-of-the-box problems don't happen to those guys.

As others have said, for demanding applications, things *must* be checked.

Now, back to teh diagnosis!

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With a slight proviso: Check them regardless of application. When my E-heads came in they went straight to my machinist for disassembly and the valve job was found wanting. Guides and installed height checked. It added $150 to my machine shop bill. Cheap insurance IMHO. Bet it cost more than that to fix the OP's mess.

Kevin