John,

You stated in your first post that the engine didn't seem to have been run.
Tapered bore engines, of all types, if properly manufactured, must have an interference fit of the piston at TDC.

This interference fit must not be totally worn away, even after break-in and many running hours.
In the [link=http://www.jettengineering.com/]Jett Engineering web site[/link] technical section, Dub Jett says this:

Jetts are tight coming from the factory. It has always been a source of annoyance for me to buy a new engine and find that it is already too loose, even before it has been cranked up! ABC and AAC engines run better and produce more power when they are tight, and by the time there is no "pinch" left (bump at top dead center) the engine is starting to lose some of its power. So if your engine is "too tight" coming from the factory, be happy that you are getting your money’s worth in life and power.

To check if your engine still has a pinch, remove the plug and the back-plate and turn the engine over TDC.
With no upper, or lower compression, this pinch will be felt; unless it doesn't exist.