Skwerl, BadPiggy, and BruceH are 100% correct.
Gerald tried for WEEKS to get a usable tune from JDM. If you followed the daily blow-by-blow, Gerald did not want to use a tune from ANYONE other than JDM because he wanted to preserve the warranty.
Keep in mind that Gerald chose to buy a COMPLETE setup from JDM, including tune. Not just a short-block...this was an epic build of TigerHonaker-like proportions. Gerald spared no expense...full suspension make-over from BMR, Koni yellows...A arms...new exhaust...new T56 Magnum tranny...the whole banana. JDM's part in the build was the powerplant. Block, heads and blower - all assembled and ready to bolt-on. Tune included.
The ONLY reason Gerald went to Lito for tuning was because JDM could not provide a usable tune. He did so with great hesitation...not wanting to lose any warranty that JDM was offering.
IMHO, It's entirely possible that the engine was built correctly and within acceptable spec for the components used, and the poor start / run attempts coupled with JDM's "easy break-in" procedure are the culprit.
In various posts concerning this build I've seen JDM blame Gerald on three separate occasions for the "problem":
- Break in oil issue - Gerald's fault
- Injectors too big / too rich / washing cylinders
- Using Lito's tune instead of JDM's
Yet, JDM did offer to help with the re-build. I do respect and admire JDM for saying they will do what they can if Gerald ships them the engine.
If you are in Gerald's shoes...you have to decide what is best. Crate-ship the engine back to JDM and let them have a second crack it at under "warranty", or do you do it again either yourself or allowing another builder to try it?
After all he's been through, I think his current decision is sound - go elsewhere. JDM had their shot. Just my opinion.