aren't we overcomplicating things here? Isn't that part of what the hydraulic lifter's function is for, to soak up the tolerances in the valvetrain? yes, check every position with a length checking pushrod like johnahhahh suggests making (or just buy one) for 0 preload on the lifter plunger, and then look through the summit catalog to find the nearest length pushrod not shorter than that number, and you'll be fine. on a mild hydraulic cam, you won't have aperformance difference if you have .010 preload or .080 preload. it's just not that critical.
The one time you don't check it is the time it bites ya. I've seen heads that were converted to 2.02's that the intakes weren't set deep enough in the heads - they were .080 lower (from the top side) than the exhausts. Exhaust valves were used, and the seats were deep. It's not that hard to toss a straight edge across the tops and at least see if more attention is needed.
