While checking some things on my block I used one of the old lifters to check lifter bore clearance and came up w/around .004 on the worst of them. This led me to check the lifter, which was under .904; (.9035) I have a new set and they all measure between .904 and .9043. Also, the factory windage tray (stock pan) has the metal straps broken loose on one side. Maybe it functions as a stud girdle for 2&4 main caps?

The whole point of the post is that the reason the engine is apart is a cam failure and things happen for a reason..... imagine that

I guess your question is - is .004" too loose and did that cause my cam failure? Yes, .004" is too loose ( .0011" - .0024" is the spec ) and it is possible that it caused the cam failure. Bushem.

I'm thinking it's best(bushing them). What's the average cost of doing that nowadays?