To Excaliber: Thanks for the info. Yup, I noticed the "Stroker motor" horror story post. It got me thinking about double-checking things.
To Speed220mph or anyone else: Since the intake is in place (pain in the butt on this engine) how does one pull the valve springs off of an engine that has it's heads in place? Plus, I've got hydraulic lifters. If I pump up the lifters with a drill on the
oil pump shaft will I get an accurate reading with a dial indicator before the lifter settles a bit?