I used my Monday night to tear down the motor. After all my issues, I needed to see what was going on first hand, especially in the valve train. The good news is that after pulling the heads there was no valve contact with the pistons. A second check on the cam seems to suggest all is a go. That basically helps me confirm that my valve train issues are a carryforward from my valve cover clearance issue on first start. I did lose a lifter, but all else looks good. So, if I can figure out how to re-install my heads and re-lash the rocker arms, I should be good for Hallett (knock on wood).

Dave