Highplainsdrifter You are correct with checking valve clearance to head. The pistons I have had there top machined for any clearance problem and only running .607" lift, There was still over .075" clearance before the piston work. This is tight for a motor of mine but alot of guys run motor tighter.
Check my other cam card, Crane cams builds in 4 degrees advance to start. I retarded the timing a total of 8 degrees, not 4. It's 4 degrees on the crankshaft gear. With the hydro rollers and the little bit of pump up and bleed down the clearance has been fine. Have to remember that my motors see a max of 6,200 rpms and the msd chip cuts in about 2-300 rpms before max setting. The fog has cleared, thanks for the correction. Wouldn't want to give someone bad or wrong info. Rick L. Ps too much heat in NJ
