I would be checking the plug caps. Standard ohm reading is 5k ohms but over time they break down and cause a weak spark.
It's the cheapest and quite possibly the most effective result.
Was the head machined at all? If the head was machined something like .020" then the 8 dowel/tubes could need a little taken off in height. I also have the head and barrel surface cleaned with mentholated spirits before assembly.
I also put a tiny bit of loctite 515 gasket eliminator between my...