What to set valve lash w/o cam card?

put the valve cover back on and change the timing chain much more chance that it's bad
but you could remove the shafts and keeping everything in exactly the same order inspect the rocker bearing area and the push rod cups and see if the rocker pads are worn by the valve stems
remember where the bolts went so you can get them back in exactly the same place or your rocker shafts get no oil
and remember which way the notch on the shafts face
btw i agreed with the early advice to start with tight lash from Rusty Rat Rod
first you did not know which cam you have so stock lash is irrelevant, so is the Isky E 4 cam or Purple shafts which can be .028 or more
and ruining loose lash on a tight lash cam really bangs the valvetrain as you are starting past the clearance ramp you would know from the racket