So everything went up to Verden Tool in NJ. Seriously cool nice dudes running the place.
Their conclusion was that the bearings were shuffling because the last person into the engine had put sealant on the surfaces around the through bolt holes. As circled in this photo.
I have to admit that this confuses me, because some very smart very experienced builders recommend putting sealant in this location:
You can see Henry Schmidt clearly recommends using Loctite 574 in this location.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/911-engine-rebuilding-forum/284737-complete-engine-sealant-thread-2.html
SO any of you that have put engines together have a vote for or against using sealant on the bearing saddle surfaces?
Other than that and some silver paint on the case and heads they thought it looked like it was in very good condition. Now it'll be a long 6-8 weeks waiting to get it all back!