It's not zero gain. Those V-Max lifters are supposed to be badass. They allow a reduction in duration up to about 20* up to 4000 RPM. After that, the full duration of the camshaft is allowed. This can allow you to run a larger duration camshaft than you would otherwise choose. Exactly as the OP tried to explain. Variable valve timing, but I'm not too sure about how "old school" it is. I think it's solid technology. It's also controlled by engine RPM and not by oil pressure like a lot of people think. Plus with their superlube option you get two flats ground on each side of the lifters to allow oil to get straight to the cam lobes where they contact the lifters. Rhoads didn't just fall off the turnip truck. They've been around a LONG time and the founder of that company had a long and successful racing career.
Getting back to @enigma57's question. Do not include anything regarding the solid lifter camshaft when making your adjustment. Think of it this way. You depress the lifter plunger with the feeler gauges in place like you are adjusting a solid, but you lightly bottom the plunger out, lock the nut down and slide the feeler gauges out. Basically, you are adjusting the lifter off the BOTTOM of the plunger travel, instead of the top. I am thinking about running some on something myself and I just may, although I will be running a fairly stout hydraulic cam. I think Rhoads lifters can be a good idea in the right application. It's like running several camshaft grinds in one. I've messed with @krazykuda Karl about them in the past, but I like them in the right place.....and they do have a right place.
Instead of dismissing them, yall should read up about them. They are pretty innovative.
