Thanks for the advice guys. The original engine builder did a very odd job assembling the motor (i.e. cylinders were different sizes, and some even oval) I will see if I can get into the motor and make the recommended adjustments.

Its motors like this that really make me lust after building my own motor finally because it is common sense to check the lifter, push rod, lifter tolerances and make sure they line up! If you are bending big ol' after market big block push rods something is definitely wrong.

Do you think the carburetor jets will have to be changed as the mains were probably tuned with the butterflies not fully open as previously mentioned? Only one way to find out...

-CJP