-- >--on the subject of "feel", how tightly should the rockers grab the feeler gauge? Should the feeler be coated with oil for each measure? > >Are "stepped" ("go, no-go") gauges the way to go? Well, now that you mention it (and I should have), IMHO stepped gauges are very helpful. I got mine from Snap-On and they are the type with a detachable handle; one bent handle and a set of go-no go gauges which I have found is a handy configuration over the multi-leaf fold out straight tool (especially exhaust valves on a '55). Properly used (which is easy), stepped gauges should desirably narrow clearance variations across a valve train. Even if variations of .003 to .004 across a valve train are not your particular concern, stepped gauges will speed the job by a bunch. Warren Anderson Sedona,AZ