Quote Originally Posted by camaro_fever68
Nothing wrong with stroking it. Everything will work. You'll need crank, rods, and pistons.


Followed instruction to the letter... tightened until pushrod barely moved by hand (at right time and stroke) - then tightened 1/4 turn.

I have a bad feeling this is where things went bad. You must have a good feel for this. You don't tighten until the pushrod barely moves, you tighten the rocker very slowly while spinning the pushrod until you feel a slight, VERY SLIGHT, drag on the pushrod. (All you're doing is taking the slack out of the valve train) Then tighten another 1/4-1/2 turn. (Lifter pre-load)

I'm thinking you nearly bottomed out the lifter plunger and then went another 1/4 turn.
Read very carefully what Ray as written.
This is very important.
Part of the problem can be pointed directly at the EPA they have taken out zinc out of the oil which does not help.
I am a very firm believer in using a cam lube that has Moly-Sulphide.
I don't know what Comp. cam uses.
I do know that both Crane cams and Isky have a paste that contains Moly-Sulphide.
I will use either one.
Also get with your engine builder/ machinst and make sure you have the correct valve springs for your application.
Above all don't give up.