Rideskinz wrote back and said that's how they package all poly stuff because it will return to normal shape once it reaches a more normal temperature. Well he was right, the lip is sitting in the room and looks normal! So that's good
Went and worked on the motor for a couple hours today. It's taking me awhile since I'm new to this thing. The wire harness is a god aweful mess, but I got it all disconnected and out of the way. Intake and exhaust manifolds are off. Fuel rail off. Valve covers off. Serpentine belt off.
So at this point, I guess I need to figure out how the timing belt works and what all it takes to get that thing off. Seems like I'll have to remove a bunch of shit to get the cover off. Then take the cams out, head bolts off, and that should be it I think.
Once the head is off I plan on calling up Northern Cylinder Head in Andover to see if they'll go ahead and clean it up, put new valve seals, valve springs, and cams in for me (and shim). Nice little tin shed po-dunk feeling shop that's done a lot of head work for me on my DSM in the past!
So that's it for now. here's a couple pics.