Finally a small step forward. Checked piston to valve clerance today with play-doh. I didn't bother measuring what seems to be about a 1/4". HUGE clearance.
I am happy about that, but I have to ask those with more experience, is this normal? This is the first Chevy inline I ever worked on so I'm still a newbie to these engines.
Zero deck, Comp Cams 268H grind with .499" lift. Timed straight up. Looks like there's plenty of room to experiment with cam timing if need be.