I was totally against aftermarket parts for years. Then I tried a set of aftermarket rods in a build and they performed flawlessly. It made me realize that some aftermarket companies really know their stuff. I still use OEM for the main bearings and timing components. But for things like valves and springs, I'll go aftermarket if the brand is trusted. It's all about balancing cost and reliability based on the part's job.

Ugh, learned that lesson the hard way too!

I read about peening welds on thin stuff to help stress relief, which seems like it would pair well with what @quinn_young said about letting the heat spread out more evenly.

Just wait until your moisture meter beeps and you poke the siding only to watch a whole section turn into wet mulch. Then the quote writes itself, plus a new line item for customer therapy.

Watch people restore vintage items, valuing memory over modern function.