You’re making broad generalizations about stainless. It is alloyed in myriad combinations, yielding disparate hardnesses and brittleness. In your industry, I’d imagine you’re used to working with surgical grade. Your experiences may differ from others. I’ve personally dealt with plenty of...
I ran an analysis soon after I swapped my big end bearings. It showed elevated levels of lead. After I told blackstone this, they advised that the fresh shells might account for that. This recent analysis seems to confirm that.
Got an oil analysis back from Blackstone. Pretty happy with the results. Recently rebuilt and mildly tuned the pump, installed new injectors, and a GTurbo. Intercooled as well. Happy to see everything is holding up.
I shipped mine to Fred Holmes. Just made sure to drain all the fuel out. Wrapped it in plastic, and shipped in a cardboard box. Total rebuild and tune cost $2600.
Maybe you should drive yours first for a while and see how you like it before going full tilt on the mods. Tor Fab in Everett WA has extensive experience with diesel LC.