I have gotten use to big American V8’s with hydraulic lifters. It has been a long time since I had to adjust valve lash and that was with screw adjusting. I am checking the valve lash in this new purchase because there is a lot of noise in the engine comp, much more than my n/a. Ordered the rubber hushers and plan on replacing those. I am going to check the clearance cold. (Very cold this week end if I receive the parts.)
Questions:
I have a standard feeler gage set that is about 2 1/2" long. Is this long enough?
If I have to replace some adjusting shims do I really need the spring tension reliever tool?
In replacing the hushers, is R&R self-evident?

Thanks, in advance.
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Tom F

What are hushers/absorbers?

Check out:
http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=582575
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Tom F

Thanx Tom,

It is easier to use an offset feeler gauge than a straight feeler gauge (if that's what you're using). They're six or seven dollars.

If you replace the shims at the same time you replace the valve absorbers, you don't need the tool to depress the tappets.

The valve absorbers are very self-evident. Do one at a time (remove bucket, replace absorber, replace bucket) to keep from getting parts confused. It can happen easily. Also check the underside of the valve buckets to see if they have pieces of the valve absorber stuck to them. The absorbers get hard and crack after a while.

The valve adjustment might, or might not be necessary. If it's somewhere within spec, don't adjust it to the bare minimum. Only adjust ones that are out of spec. Usually it's only one or two, if any.
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Chris Herbst, near Chicago.