I talked to my engine builder the other day about this,...he like you has had new name brand parts that were not ready to go outa the box as claimed. But he said so far with Pro Comp heads he's used he hasn't had issues.....so far. I bet the set I have for my build will be his first crap set....LOL....It does really suck when you buy new parts that are messed up. As far as not being fussy about what leaves his shop. He's always stated he assembles every engine street or race like his 92 yr old mom has to drive it across the U.S. by herself....LOL... I used to slap engines together when I was a teen and early 20's...LOL..never mic'd anything just trusted that machine work was good. Now being older and wiser and this stuff isn't cheap...I pay my bud to build it right.