One comment in your description concerns me- - - -"surfacing .060"- - - -if you're referring to milling the cylinder head, there's a possible problem. The edge of the intake valve sits right in the path of the combustion flame front as it sweeps across the surface of the cylinder head. The original head design has the valve sunken slightly below the surface of the head to protect that vulnerable edge from being burned by the combustion gases, so any head milling more that a thin cleanup cut to make sure the gasket surface is flat requires that the intake valves be recessed back into the head the same distance as the milling job. I was just given a freshly milled head that did not have the valves recessed after a deep milling job- - - -the valves only lasted a short time and the engine started missing and losing compression due to damaged intake valves. I can fix it- - -but the machinist who did the original job built in a fatal flaw.
You can check valve to piston clearance by getting a piston to the top of its stroke and using a pry bar under the rocker arm pivot shaft to push an intake valve down until it touches the top of the piston (gently) and measure the travel with a dial indicator. That distance needs to be at least .030" more than the "maximum valve lift" listed on your cam card- - - - -.060" is better. It's impossible for an exhaust valve to hit the piston due to the design of the cylinder head. I just rechecked your cam card, and it actually does specify adjustment clearances- - - -.022" intake and .024" exhaust. That's a bit wider clearance than a stock solid lift cam needs, so don't consult a factory service manual for valve adjustment info. The two cams suggested above from Melling and Elgin are excellent choices- - - -unfortunately, due to a shortage of "cores" to grind new cams with, they're "out of stock" at virtually all the usual parts suppliers. The guy who regrinds my cams is in his mid-90's, and he's on chemotherapy. I don't know where I'll get my cams once he's out of business!
Good luck!
Jerry
Edit: I collect, modify and upgrade 216's with more modern running gear like crankshafts, pistons, connecting rods, oil pumps, etc. Don't trash that old 216- - - -I might want to do a little horsetrading!
