Unfortunately, I have no idea what cam/lifters are in the motor since it was assembled when I bought it. I know that when I adjusted the valves a couple of days ago, the driver's side cylinder head was making a loud ticking noise. I had a few car buddies (who have solid cams) listen to it and they said that it definitely wasn't right (too loud of a tick). I pulled the valve covers and checked the lash per the manual, and one of the adjusters had backed out (#3, exhaust) and the lash was about 0.026". I adjusted it back to 0.018" and it sounded perfect. I know that it is not right to tune a car by sound, but I would rather go with my instincts here since I don't know what parts are actually in the motor.
With the motor at ~1,200 RPM, it sounds exactly like a sewing machine, which I've been told is the sound to look for with a properly set valve lash on a mechanical cam setup.
if the lash keeps getting big on that rocker, chances are the lifter and or cam lobe could be getting wiped out... if you lash gets tight, the valve could be sinking into their seats... just food for thought. make sure your running oil with ZINK in it!
