UPDATE; I got it to start last night with the weaker valve springs. Haven't been able to run for long as I now have 2x oil leaks. 1x was the rocker cover gasket, so I glued 2x new ones on last night. The other is the pressure side of my oil pump, Guess I'll need to remove & replace the O ring. Shops will be open tomorrow so I'll try n find a place that sells decent-quality O rings to repair. Don't you hate it when you can use something umpteen times, never an issue until the shops are shut & you can't just go get a replacement.
I've been working on another engine at the present point in time, so haven't had much time to dedicate to this motor.