[Brian Baker]

Egad! You're problems are in the cam/valvetrain. Lord knows where the cam is installed and the rockers are most definately not adjusted correctly. You can't follow an old manual designed to instruct you how to adjust factory OEM rockers when you're using aftermarket parts that require the lash to be adjusted to a precise clearance. My guess is your mechanic just cranked the rocker nuts down to 20 ft/lbs. and this simply will not work with the aftermarket parts you have.

Egging out the pushrod holes will requre removing the heads, unless you want to risk getting shavings in the engine. If this isn't an option, I'd nix the 1.65 rockers and go with 1.5 rockers, and definately make sure you have the correct valve springs installed, and that they're installed at the correct height. The factory springs won't cut it, even with 1.5 rockers, and you've probably already killed them with the 1.65's. Check your pushrods, and replace as needed, because they're likely FUBAR. I won't get into a discussion on the valve guides or seals at this point, since you're on a tight budget. If it's not burning oil, don't worry about them just right now.

I can't add any more than screaminchief hasn't already.

[doubleClutch]

Just wanted to give an update for anyone thinking about the same setup. I found out the rods were hitting the heads, and I switched back to 1.5 roller rockers. Also one of the motor mounts was loose which was what was causing the vibration. We advanced the timing 35 degrees, and the car is now a monster. I have a 2000 stall converter, and the idle is slightly choppy, but it stays running in gear and in reverse.
The car pulls very hard, and easily walked a much lighter Infiniti G35 ~280Rwp from a stop and roll. My only problem was that car was leaking oil on the headers after 5-10 min of driving. We used extra sealant and tightened the valve covers. Do the stock valve covers commonly leak oil? Could the leak come from the valley pan? The car was not leaking oil before, and the mechanic didn't touch the valley pan. Also, I am still wondering if I need to raise the compression? Heads are 6x, 2.5" pipes, and the bottom end is stock. Can anyone give me a net hp guess, and if it would make any more hp with a higher compression.
Here a pic of the leak


Thanks again for all the help.

[68WarDog]

Oil leaks can occur from a number of sources,but starting from the top,run your finger (1) Back of valley pan and around base of dizzy(2) Both valve covers,as oil can drip down and be slung anywhere (3)Check around oil sending unit,making sure filter is properly seated(4)Bottom of timing chain cover,at corner(s) where it contacts the front of the pan,and around oil pan/rear pan gasket,(5)and probably and most common, the infamous REAR MAIN SEAL.
Good luck,you'll get it.

P.S. HP? 315-330, b my guess.