I build my own stuff. Started out slow and kept my eyes on the guys that knew what they were doing. (Pro stock, comp elim, NASCAR, etc.) Pride and thinking you know it all will ruin you in the early stages of learning to be an engine builder. Keep your eyes open and be as observant as possible in the pro pits.
Now I can build an engine that makes power and lives. It ain't rocket science. But, if you knew anything about rocket science, you would know that rocket science isn't rocket science either.