Definitely valve float. I’d also put my money on incorrect pushrod length. Just eyeballing the wear in one pic makes me think your too short, if you haven’t already check that. These guys have already given you good info about bringing the spring rate up, I personally would go with the higher rate listed by Hughes, than what Howard’s said. Looking at the flow numbers on those heads your still flowing good up at .700 lift, 301 is what the chart said, plus or minus I’m sure. That said, looking at your cam choice and the problem you stated about trap speed being down from what you expected. Valve float definitely hurts performance, but I wondered if I could go over your combo with you. Actual Static compression? Tire size? Transmission final drive ratio? Rear end gear? Car weight? Type of fuel you are trying to run on? Carburetor? Intake manifold? Header primary size? Open or full exhaust? Most of all your expectations? We’ll get you straight man. Can talk here or private message me if you’d rather. Totally up to you.
