after running it for about 10 mins or so and dialing in the timing and doing a compression check (all cylinders turned out good +- 2lbs of 125psi) i tried turning it by hand again. real smooth with no binding at all. can't say for sure what the problem was but i was hoping that running it and getting everything hot and seated would help.
still have to tear it down again 'cause i need new gaskets for pretty much everything. just didn't want to drop a $100 on a gasket kit for an engine that would eat itself once it got running for a bit.
thanks again to everybody for sharing their advice.
cheers,
ryan
