So being able to build and finish a warbird somehow magically makes you an engine expert? Hmm, so actually having real life experience with many engines is not required to become an engine expert?

Reminds me of Kettering's law: Going wrong with confidence!

I might differ with minutae on how the experienced amoung us do things, but the basics are indisputable. Good components are required to make things work. Just one weak link breaks the chain. Trying to cut corners and shaving pennies off cost usually leads to disaster. If you don't want to spend an additional 0.00001% on using a proven component, such as a spark plug, then sir you are an idiot.

Good judgement is based upon experience and most experience is gained from bad judgement.

Thanks got to Ralph, T.O.M., Pe, Bill, JediJody et al, for sharing their knowledge on this and other forums.

Bliksem