Right, suppose it's time I brought this back from the dead.
Not a huge amount has happened with my car since I last updated this. I've been to French Car Show this weekend and seeing the cars on track has given me a kick in the arse. I want this done ASAP now so i'm pulling out all the stops.
The issues I was having with the valve spring seats turned out to be that they weren't pressed into the head quite far enough

I took it back to Cleasby's Engineering who did the work on the cylinder head and they sorted that straight away, they're a good bunch who i'd definitley recommend, and am using again ( more on that in a moment)
When I got the head back I had to assemble it all, which turned out to be a monster of a fiddly job! Trying to get somewhere to work when I could get the cylinder head supported with enough room to fit the valve spring compressor over it resulted in the contraption you'll see below. Putting the first few valves / springs together was a nightmare, well getting the collets in was anyway, but I soon got a good technique going and it went straight together then.
Tonight I've done some more work on the head, I fitted the rockers, LMAs and the VTEC solenoid, the head needs to be mated to the block before I can put the cams in. Also tonight I've fitted a new waterpump, and refitted the oil cooler and thermostat housing. I wanted to get the oil pump on too but I can't find the sealant I bought.
Now for a wee bit of bad news: When I was putting my pistons and rods in I'm pretty sure I overstreched the ARP rod bolts. DOH!!
There's no way I'd want to have them in my engine if they have been overtorqued and permanently deformed, so I ordered a new set and a mate is dropping them off at Cleasbys Engineering tomorrow to have the old ones removed and the new ones put in. £81 for 8 bolts and I pretty much wreck them, nice one Neil.
Anyway, photos.
The contraption used when I was building the head.
Head with a few valves fitted.
Them all done.
And now with rockers and LMAs fitted.
New water pump.
With 'stat housing and oil cooler fitted.
I know I keep saying this but it really shouldn't be too long now