thanks for the clues! hadn't considered a flat cam, tho this thing DID sit long enuff there may be blocked oil passages that didn't show in how it ran at idle. and you can't hear crap while driving the beast! would explain the slack in the pushrods as well. will see if i can beat dark and take a look further after work tonite. distributor turning is an easier reference than taking the cover off, that's for sure.
