The fact that the engine is tight enough to alarm you when you feel the combined tolerances of the rod bearing and wrist pin fitting loading and unloading when you turn it by hand is also evidence that you still need to expect a little break-in time. I don't know how much experience you have, but be sure you tighten the head in stages and evenly. I have been surprised to see a lot of people start a head bolt and crank it dead-tight while the rest are completely loose. I like a #8 glow plug for transition troubled engines. Use a prop. that lets it turn around 14,500 after you richen about 500 rpm from peak. Don't let anyone convince you to lose confidence. I believe you will find you have a very nice engine.

Take care, Cliff