I have assembled at least several hundred solid lifter engines, and the rule of thumb I've always used is to set the cold clearance .002" wider than the reccomended hot setting. One exception to the rule than clearances tighten up as the engine heats was on air-cooled Volkswagen engines. The cylinder barrels actually "grow" faster then the pushrods as the engine heats up, and hot-engine valve clearance increases over the cold setting.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!