[RICK LAKE]

Olddog My motor warms up to 180f in about 3 minutes. I was told that the expandsion rate of the aluminum is about.0012" from cold to hot. Iron motor is about.0006-.0008". I have not worked with solids since the hemi car.
As far as most aluminium cobra motors here, it seams the last 2-3 years have gone to hydro roller motors over solid roller. As far as lasting life of a motor, the hydro will last longer overall than a solid. Solid makes more power, higher rpm range, adjusting the valves can pickup a couple of extra HP in the top end. RPM limit for solids 10,000 rpms +. Hydro roller cam motor 7,600 rpms in a gm motor. FE motor looks to be about 6,800 rpms. Hydro roller lifters are heavy.
I am running the same block for 12 years and added a stroker kit 3 years ago. except for a glaze breaker and extra fine stone hone to do a little cleaning, there was nothing wrong with my motor except for a scratch in #5 cylinder wall and a higher leakdown than in other cylinders. I do use every sealer, coating, luberate to extend the life of my motor and prevent leaks. I do think that my FI system helps with keeping the motor from getting the cylinder walls washed down from racing and stops super rich black smoke turns. Carbs not setup right seam to do this to motors.
As far as a solid lifter adjustment I had always done this on a hot motor and never had an issue with starting. A FE motor is not a Hemi designed motor either. Ask one of the Cammer guys about this also. Rick L.