Look over the piston. Check for any damage. Do the same with the valves.
With the valve springs in place, tilt the head on it's side so that the exhaust port is pointing up in the air. Put a tablespoon of acetone (or gasoline) into the port and wait five minutes. You should see zero moisture leaking into the combustion chamber area. Repeat with the intake side.
While you have everything apart, it would be good to check the valve guides. I didn't see if you covered this or not. Remove the valve springs and with the valves open about half an inch, give them a little wiggle. There should be no play in them. If you have a split ball gauge and a micrometer, you can measure and be 100% sure. A good machinist will have these tools if you do not. Specs are in the service manual.
Also... was it you or your friend who installed the new piston? Did you end up with the .5mm over? Did the piston come with new rings?