cubanyoshi - i wasnt saying the exhaust is making it run crappy, i know thats not it, but ive heard people say before that an excessively restrictive exhaust can cause a HG to blow, and i didnt know how true it was. at that point, i was so lost i was trying to find any possible explanation.

kevin - good tip, and i will try it as soon as i finish gapping the new rings

hondamike - yea, there are def some sheisty bitches on here... it sucks for those who know what they are doing and try to sell legitimate parts.

mike - im gonna try the valve check, and as for piston/wall clearance, they feel pretty snug, but im gonna check it once the ring gap is done.

thanks for all your help guys, hopefully i can drop these pistons in and show some serious compression numbers....