[Augusto]

Forgot to say before, the compression pressure rose from 60 to 130 psi

So the valves are sealing now for sure.

[cobalt327]

If I had to pick one thing it would be the difference in head gaskets.

If the difference in head gasket thickness were enough- and that could be a relatively small amount we're talking about here- that alone could account for the shims returning the lifter preload to a more normal position.

If the lifter retainer clips were missing, the shims wouldn't have fixed the problem so I think you can eliminate that as a possibility.

If different pushrods were used, that could have caused it, too. But it sounds like it went back together w/basically the same parts it started with.

[Augusto]

do you think the shims may cause a geometry problem leading to wear/failure in the future?

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by Augusto

do you think the shims may cause a geometry problem leading to wear/failure in the future?

I doubt it. My opinion is the geometry is prolly closer now than it was before. But you can always cycle the engine w/o the plugs in it and see what the pattern on the valve tips look like.

[Augusto]

thanks a lot, I'm gonna put some miles on it and see how it performs