In a word, no. The most of the work was in concept! There is a fair amount of straightforward line-of-sight 'porting' but that should be done regardless especially if you have a MW window. The materials used can be made (and were) by hand. I did not make the spacer. The guy that did is a true craftsman and machinist. Albiet, I would have wanted it scalloped on the inside especially for the port roof transitions but also for some additional plenum volume. The area you pointed out 'wants' to be there for a couple reasons. There is a downward slope in that cavity FWIW. The epoxy work isnt perfect so if I did this again, that'd be better but I don't think it'd make much difference. There is some dispute as to how much power it will make but I don't see it getting in the way of 850HP. It has shown about 760 corrected so far but there are a few big concerns currently with the other parts in the car like ignition AND carbs and...? This motor should be over 800 when at it's potential.