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

Yeah, I bought the motor and, despite Joe telling me not to touch it and that everything was all set, I started checking tolerances. Decided the engine probably needed the valve lash (or preload) set... that sent me down this exact path, doing exactly what Joe did. Only later did I find this article lol.

I checked it today so that I could re-check the valve lash after a few 6K rpm pulls. Only one was noticeably off, which explained the ticking. Otherwise, everything was perfect.

Man... does this motor screw. I've never driven anything like it in my life.

Very glad I didn't send a piston into a valve by setting preload... luck strikes again.
Thanks all.

-Mike