thanks for the help so far guys. This is a new engine that was built at a machine shop, I bought it second hand from a guy in my car club and the machine shop is not around any longer. I do know the block was decked (how much, not sure) but enough to wipe off the stamping on the distributor pad. That is why I tried the shims, to increase the height for the pushrods. I think I'm going to have to get someone from my club with some free time to come out and help me, as I don't have the expertise or tools to investigate further at this time. Thanks for all the help so far!
