I hate 2nd guessing myself but glad I do sometimes. And sometimes I should read directions more than once before I install things. popped all the pistons back out to check rings.. yep had a couple rings mixed up on the pistons. I must have got them mixed up when prepping pistons laying stuff out on the bench. it is super hot in the shed in the summer and I kept taking breaks to cool down & hydrate in the house. most likely that's when I got 2nd ring in top groove and a couple top rings in both grooves. so... I pull them all and remove rings. restack the rings correctly and clock all gaps correctly LOL! top ring has big dot mark and 2nd ring has small dot mark. DUH! so re-oiled everything and installed them correctly. all good now I can sleep well again.

waiting on gaskets, cam, timing gear, that should button up the bottom end and get ready for heads to go on next.