[admranger]

Your story reminds me of when I bought a "good" 2.8 motor to put in my E36M3 race car to move it to J-prepared. Had valve cover leaks on my first test day so packed it in. Installed a new valve cover gasket and felt ready to race at Phoenix. Towed down there and the same thing at the track. Put on a new/used valve cover and same thing. Packed up and towed home. Sent engine off for rebuild. It was a hot mess inside with improper ring gaps (never disclosed by seller) and a sump full of aluminum shavings. Fortunately, I was going up to the next size pistons so the block was saved. Thought about chucking it all after the problems but fortunately wiser folks talked me out of it.

I can definitely relate to your frustrations. Glad it worked out.