8MM retainers/locks on 5/16 valves: OK or not OK?

What valves are you using, and how far is it from the top of the lock groove to the top of the valve?
I ain't sure what valves I used (way too many projexts going on combined with poor record keeping!) but they are 5/16 with bead lock (rounded bulges) in genuine new zealand EQ heads. .050" from lock to tip. NOW the prob I am haveing (discovered today) is the comp cams 4825 guide plates were mfr'd so terrible that the 5/16 pushrods wont even fit in the rectangle slots let alone have 5 tho clearance on each side. In the set of (8), at least 5 had one slot that was too small. A guy at Summit is gonna work with me next week to trial fit a set there before they ship em out. I did not get mine from them tho. RR