Its not lash I'm talking about its valve stem to guide clearnce. A normal auto engine is set .0012-.0018 for clearnce. I ended up having to go upto .002 to stop valves from sticking.
Granted these are on BBC running only 2 big valves. So clearnce difference are going to be different then 4 valves with tiny stems on them.
Just thought I would throw it out there. It may not have anything todo with breaking rockers it might just be cheap stamped steel they are using but, it could also help these guys live.
You are not correct with hydraulic lifters like Eric is running. You are talking solids with the .002" lash.
Eric you have Hydraulics now, you have to pre-load them some so there will be no lash to set with shims, feeler gauges, etc. That is all for solid lifters. On these trucks from what I can tell the only way to get lash on the lifters or preload is pushrod length unless you machine the rocker box or head to drop it down some.
If you lash hydraulics you will spit the top of them out. The only Hydraulics that I can remember that you dont pre-load are made by Crower and Schubeck. Basically take the clatter out and lock them down. All others dpending on are pre-loaded a certian amount some from 1/4 turn to all the way to 1 turn past 0 lash and that depends on the thread pitch of the rocker stud and the make of the lifter to get the depth right.