Thank you for your replies .My engine is a 340 that has been zero decked using trw forged pistons and an XE 268 cam and #822 hyd. lifters.

Ok,this is what I've done so far (more bad news) .I installed the heads using arp bolts and Felpro 1008 gaskets.I used an adjustable pushrod to find zero lash between rocker and lifter using the recommended procedure. I also used the EO/IC method for correct base circle location.

I checked each one of the eight cylinders for pushrod length using an 8" digital caliper and here are the results .
INTAKE ~ 7.437"/7.415"/7.445"/7.418"//7.427"/7.438"/7.426"/7.437"
EXHAUST ~
7.434"/7.445"/7.452"/t442"//7.447"/7.429"/7.451"/7.425"
I must add that I double checked and triple checked with consistent results.
So what's next ? A possibilty appears to be using a set of custom made pushrods ( Smith Bros. comes to my mind) for a 030" to 040" preload recommended by CC for the 822 hyd. lifters that I will be using.

Or maybe I should bite the bullet and buy another set of 1008 gaskets and take my heads to a ( reputable)machine shop and get everything squared away ( $$$ addition to the $1600 as suggested by Moper).

Hmm... where did I put those those 'X' heads?