desperatly need engine help

Skycuda: My hats off to ya buddy on trying your first. You gotta start somewhere. I've never built a motor myself but have everything to do it with. On the pumped up lifter issue. From what i'm reading to help you understand the issue is that when the lifters are pumped "UP" they stand taller and that's when rocker adjustments take place. If the lifters are not pumped up they are in a collasped nature, being shorter. If rockers are adjusted at this point the push rods are compressed at too low of point then upon the lifters pumping up they put too much pressure on the then too long push rod. The push rods are not too long and all seems to be correct except the lifters need to be standing up "Pumped Up" before making any rocker adjustments. Is this correct guys. I'm learning also. Thanks

Small Block