Vector1 If you are going to do a bunch of motor builds, then buy the reduced rockers for break in. I have rebuilt too many different motors and would need 4 sets of rockers just for this. Not worth it. Removing the inner spring is important to start. KD sells a valve spring compressor that work great in tight places. Part number KDT2078. Sears sells them for about $40.00 dollars. Try Pepboys or autozone. I don't use air to pressurize the cylinder. I also take the cylinder working on to TDC, compress the spring and remove the keepers. I use good valve seals and they hold the valve up. Be careful to not hit or damage the seal or knock the spring clip off the seal. If have umbrella seals and little "o"ring seals on the valves replace them with pos valve seals.
Have the timing and carb set. Have a fire extinguiser on startup. i like a CO2 over dry chemical., less cleanup and mess. Both work well. Set the rpms to 2000 once started and check timing as soon as you can. Check coolant and
oil pressure. Check for leaks under the car. Do this quick. Have a second person to help you, 4 eyes are better than 2. Once up and running get a box fan to help move the air through the rad and engine compartment.
As for
oil, I use a 15W-40 rolleta and a bottle of EOS from GM. Over fill the motor 1 quart for safety. 20 minutes at 2,000 rpms and 10 minutes at 1,500 rpms. Let cool down with fan. Replace
oil and filter. Put in the oil you are going to use in the motor all the time. Add 1 bottle of lucas oil suppliment as the motor warns up again. Pour in slowly to mix with engine oil. 500 mile breakin with just the outter springs. This will keep your foot out of the throttle and yet give you about a 3,000 rpm safe limit. After 500 miles install the inner springs and you are good to go. Check the oil filter and look for any metal in the pleets. If you find some after the second oil change, recheck and drop oil pan and look for damage. As for rocker adjustment, 1/4 to 1/2 turn on adjuster for breakin. If you keep adjusting and lifter, you have either a camshaft problem or lifter collapse. I reset my lifters to .015" after breakin with a hydro setup. This is for both flat tappet or roller lifters. Good luck Rick L.