Pistons are Icon forged flat tops with the valve reliefs.
Head gasket is Felpro composite, 0.039’’ thickness.
The starter motor does struggle when the engine is warmed up. Starts well when cooled down.
I’ve noticed it idles perfectly with the initial at around 22*, of course this much initial doesn’t help with starting it hot. ATM the timing is all in by 2700.
I have a good cooling system, a flow cooler pump (with a vane impeller) good radiator, etc. I overdrive the pump at around 1.2:1.