Looking for more pep off the line

Woodys_Cuda said
At this point Alec might want to check the whole engine build. I give him credit for being hands on but there are too many issues so far. Looks like he needs expert help there.

I'm going to go through the whole engine just to make sure everything else is ok. I am very hands on with my build, I've done probably 95% of the work by myself. Unfortunately, I don't really have access to an expert outside of the internet or the books/magazines/videos I see. The internet and published media have a plethora of knowledge, but it's a great asset having an expert with you to check your work.

Dale Davies said
Glad you found the issue. What caused the valve to stick? Was there an oiling issue due to the rocker shaft upside down or was the valve to guide clearance tight. Tight guide clearance generally shows its ugly head soon on a new rebuild.
David Vizard for the mission impossible engine was looking to install Chev 2.00/1.55 LS valves. Magnum valves could work also with 5/16" bronze guides. The small diameter stems are much lighter.
If purchasing a new XE268H cam I would spec it with a 106° or 107° LSA.
I would watch some of David Vizard's porting videos. Yes many are pertaining to Chev or Ford heads, but the information can pertain to Mopar also. Listen to his nogo area and undercutting to unshroud the intake. I would purchase a sonic thickness tester to ensure you leave enough metal there and not make a water gyser.
With stepping up to 2.02 intake valves, degreeing the cam and checking valve to piston clearance is mandatory.
When porting his 289 Ford heads he shows cutting the scavenge plateau, to aid the exhaust getting pushed out the port rather than skipping over the valve head. Some minor appearing features that could be a great aid to inexpensive power.

I'm not sure yet what caused the valve to stick, as soon as I have a chance I'm going to tear into it. The engine ran just fine for the ~600 miles I had driven it before it decided to stop running. Oil pressure and water temp were excellent at all times. Why the 106/107 LSA? The grind I was looking at has 110 LSA. I am going to call Comp Cams to get their recommendation for my application.