curious about valve lash setting/check

Make sure the lifter is on the base circle of the cam (refer to chart above). To start, make sure you know #1 is firing, and the damper is showing 0°, because 0° could also be when #3 is firing. Make sure you understand the valve layout and the cylinder numbering. Go to #2 intake valve (2nd valve from front on pass. side). Back off the adjuster all the way. Get some shim stock (.010 will do) and place it between the rocker arm and the top of the valve stem (as if adjusting solid lifters). While slowly tightening the adjusting screw with the allen wrench, keep sliding the shim stock around. The moment you feel a little drag on the shim, you know you're at around 0 preload. Take the shim out. Tighten the adjusting screw 1/2 turn or whatever you think is the right amount. Hold the screw in place with the allen wrench and tighten the locknut to lock it down. No go to #8 exhaust valve (last valve on pass. side). Once you've adjusted that one, turn crankshaft 90°CW. Go to #1 intake valve (2nd valve from front on drivers side). Repeat, repeat, repeat...
Valve layout:

8E---7E
8I---7I
6I---5I
6E---5E
4E---3E
4I---3I
2I---1I
2E---1E
↓Front↓
thanks 69, much appreciated. I have already started and almost half way through and finding last night's settings to be almost exact as what I'm setting tonight. I am using the push rod "up and down" (thanks Rusty) until there is no slack (making mental note where it is), then backing off and spinning the push rod until I feel the slight "drag". they seem to be very close (minute difference). will try with the shim stock (feeler gauge) and see what they all come to be in the end. thanks much, heading back now.