Pulled apart the engine yesterday to investigate a tapping noise that's been annoying me for awhile now. On cylinders 5 and 7, at the very top, there is a mark/groove that's been worn into the cylinder wall. It looks almost like the exhaust valve was touching it, but the valves didn't have any visible wear. The motor is a stock bore 5.3L, with 799 heads. The intake valves are 2.00", and it had six 1.59" exhaust valves and two 1.55" exhaust valves because they jackass I bought them from put in the wrong valves. I don't think these valves are too big for the cylinder though. NONE of the other cylinders have this mark, just 5 and 7. Luckily, the mark is just above where the rings get to so I hope there is no ring damage. Cylinder walls look money.
On first start up there was a screeching/tapping sound that started after about 5 minutes, and only lasted on for the first drive. Then a tapping noise began a hundred miles later or so that sounded like a lifter, hence the tear down I'm doing right now.
#7:
#5: