"hmmm, it doesn't run perfectly under 2k rpms, and it kinda has a rough idle... Hot cam???"

Almost certainly the uneven compression. With the cam you are likely to have in there only some seriously tight valves could lower the compression, and driving on tight valves being held slightly open will burn them in fairly short order. I'd suggest setting them before driving it much.

Exhaust valves with unhardened seats will gradually recede into the head without leaded fuel. it happens exceedingly slow on a car that is driven gently, but I suspect you'll thrash yours. When the valve recedes it tightens the adjustment, so you have to stay on top of that.

The low compression could also be stuck rings, which can come unstuck when given a little use. You can narrow down where the compression leak is coming from by:
1) Checking the compression
2) pouring in a small amount of tickish oil into the plug hole
3) Rechecking the compression

If the rings are leaking then the oil will provide a seal for as long as it takes to measure the compression. If it goes up signifigantly then the rings are shot, if it stays low then the valves are leaking.
--
I'm JohnMc, and I approved this message.