Where to begin...?

Clearwater head for sure.

Here's what I did - and it doesn't get much easier than this.

I took pieces to the best machine shop in town. I called around and got recommendations. Once there, I talked to the guy who was the foreman and assured him that I didn't know what the Hell I was doing as an engine builder. I also made it clear that I wanted a quality job and that he was not to cut corners.

I asked that any parts he needed go past me first. If they had to be sourced, I wanted to do it since that's how I make a quasi-living. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Of course, they had better sources than I did for some things, but I insisted upon Mitsubishi parts for almost everything. They kind of snookered me with the oil pump (Melling), but I can't complain as it does fine. If I had it to do over again, I go OEM. I supplied the head and a Mitsu. Starion OE gasket and asked that they mount and torque it.

They supplied bearings (Clevite) and pistons (can't remember, but a name brand) and the rest of the guts.

I'll caution you now. Unless you tell the shop to do it, they probably won't put the rocker arm plug in at the rear of the head - and it's the devil to do after you get the engine in. It won't come installed from Clearwater either.

I believe the key is to find a shop you trust. Let them do their jobs.