Can water\steam in my cylinder cause a persistent lean condition?
I'm starting to think I have a warped head. D16z6 New head gasket, Running ARP studs 70lbs. everything is great cruising or taking it easy until I start pulling hard and take rpms above 5500.

Then my indicator drops to max lean and stays there even after letting off throttle and cruising for a while, until.... I do some engine braking. (which i assume is forcing the water out.) The problem seems to be getting worse, happening sooner etc. as time goes on.

the other symptom - stopping for gas, or a quick store visit, restarting...the engine will sputter, and barely run until it fires a while. Sometimes it dies and i have to re-crank it.
Another symptom of water seeping into the cylinder?

Just trying to confirm my suspicions.

 

Fix the head gasket issue first. What is this indicator you speak of? A wideband display or an autometer narrow band type of gauge?