easy way to tell if i got a solid cam or hydraulic?

This is easy to determine. Here is how you do it. Pull the driver's side valve cover. It really doesn't matter, but I like checking number one. Bring number one exhaust valve until it is closed and on the base circle of the cam good. Take the adjuster nut and tighten it down slowly about 1/2 turn at the time until it opens the exhaust valve by the adjuster. Let it sit there about 15-20 minutes. IF it has hydraulic lifters, this will bleed that one lifter down. After about 15-20 minutes, loosen that adjuster up all the way. You now should be able to depress the pushrod down into the lifter plunger and feel the lifter preload spring if it is hydraulic. If you cannot and it feels like it will not move at all, you have solid lifters. If you determine it has solid lifters, a good point of reference to begin with would be .016 on the intake and .018 on the exhaust.

Perfect procedure!:headbang: Takes an ex mechanic to tell it right. Now git in the shop and fix it,lol!