[eschaider]

I would give dollars to donuts the 'noise' you are hearing is the incorrectly lashed valves — which thankfully is a quick fix.

More troubling is the four (or was it five?) year delay in delivering the finished product to you. If you paid promptly and it sounds like in advance, then the problem is with your builder. It doesn't take four years to freshen an engine. There is something amiss at your builder.

Like several of the guys have already mentioned your have excellent choices in engine builders with Brent, Lance and Barry. There is no need to experience what you have. I would cut my losses with your current builder and begin a relationship with one of those three guys — they are excellent.

Ed