I called heath month ago,guy that answered said(we don't build engines). So I asked to be pointed in right direction,recommendation for builder. Was told call back. I did a few tiems. Told same thing. My regular guy is retiring. When the guy I had work the heads with port polish,saw banks manifold he said that's the answer to all your problems. So I will keep on looking for the enthusiast.
You asked for a guru not a builder. Good luck finding a builder who knows flip about these engines. They are out there just hard to come by.
Call Teds, a quick search will get you more info. They can ship you a navistar casting army take out. It will take work on your part to get it ready to run but its doable.
She is very knowledgeable but as far as I can tell its taken her 3yrs to rebuild her engine in the Dahoooley and im not sure if she takes on outside engine work.
thanks for the replies. i picked up a 2006 6.5 a while back. just got the accessories this afternoon. that is besides the 6.2 project. i would add pics if i could figure it out.