I am leaning toward pulling it because I want to know what I did wrong the first time. I agree it should come apart fairly easily, and hopefully it will become obvious what is wrong once I pull it apart.
I used the COMP Cams SK12-242-2 cam and lifter kit when it was built, so all new but flat tappet.
I have been using Vavoline 5W30 oil that says its a synthetic blend (can't seem to find any oils that are not partially synthetic) and I suspect that is not helping the ring seating process. I added a ZDDP additive to the initial fill and again at the first oil change (rooughly 100 miles) to try and protect the flat tappet cam.
I am assuming that I will need to tear it down completely, flex hone the cylinders to break up any glazing, wash everything and reassemble. If I put the lifter back into the same locations they should be fine. New piston rings and some gaskets.
Thankfully time is not really a factor as the only thing having it sitting prevents is attending some car shows that I go to just to participate (didn't build it as a show truck).
