I did have 0.020" rocker shaft shims, could that have caused the problem? The cam is a Comp HXL lobe profile which I think is more agressive profile than normal, but is supposed to have better harmonics that the .440 lobe profiles.
The cam is not that big, only 264/264 @ 0.050", 0.714"/0.714" lift (with the 1.6:1 ratio), 112 LSA, installed at 108.
Have 1.6:1 ratio T&D rockers, and 3/8" Smith Brothers pushrods, and all the pushrods/rocker gear appear to be oiling fine.
The springs are PAC 1325 with Crower Ti retainers (+0.100"), machined steel 10-degree locks (standard height), 0.060" spring seat with the correct size inner locator, spring install height is 1.950", seat pressure is 275#, I think the open pressure is 715#, no problem with coil bind, or retainer to guide clearance. I also have plenty of piston to valve clearance. Originally I wanted to install the springs at 2.00" using +0.050" locks which would have reduced the seat pressure to 250#, but the retainer was too close to the bottom of the rocker arm, so I used the standard locks and 1.950" install height.
Could it be the spring pressures are too high for the stands?