[mreid]

Ford started using roller cams in the Mustang in 1985. Number 8 cylinder where the lifter is pushed out of the bore is potentially a problem and the cam lobe should be checked, but I'm betting it is okay as the lifter kept the correct orientation. The biggest unknown is how long the engine was run like this. The secondary damage is actually a bigger concern at this point than the initial root cause. I would pull the cam and inspect the lobes and bearing surfaces and the pan to check the crank. I'm trying to avoid a complete rebuild for someone who is not in the US.

As for the root cause of all this, there are so many potential issues with the valve train that it needs to start over. At first I thought the push rods were too short, but with the rocker retainer locks so low in the retainer nut, a longer push rod would not allow enough stud thread for safe installation. So then the studs themselves are too short, but that doesn't make a lot of sense either. Wrong rockers? It doesn't appear that is the issue. Frankly, there are so many issues, the engine builder needs to just make this right. But then I don't know that whole story and probably never will.