First 408 build and going with indy heads

All the more reason to ditch the squish lifters. IMHO to use a hydraulic lifter in your application is a crime. A SFT will make more power, RPM higher and live just as long as a HFT without the HFT limitations.

I say PISS on hydraulic lifters. If that is what Hughes is telling you, they would be wrong IMHO.
Wrong for what? You or him?
Sorry to see a guy can’t build his car his way without someone telling them they are wrong for a small cam in a driver.
He can always step up later if the need arises.