Reply to "351C trouble."

A few things come to mind:
first, spinning the pushrod between thumb & finger while tightening to find zero-lash often doesn't work on fast0bleed lifters (especially new ones empty of oil) because the bleed passage removes most of the normal resistence when you get to zero lash. A modified method is to slightly lift up as lash is reduced until no motion can bes detected. I always hot-adjust lifters (both solid & hydraulic) with the engine running, anyway.
2)- popping thru the carb indicates an intake valve problem, going lean etc Theres no connection between the carb & exhaust unless BOTH valves are hing open. Exhaust pops are heard in the headers.
3)- with roller rockerarms, its possible to install them with the rocker shaft upside down so the flat nut-relief is down toward the stud and the round section is upward. Adjustments will not stay locked in this position.
4)- its also possible to put a pushrod on the edge of the lifter seat and go thru the wholer exercise. Then when you start the engine, the pushrod normally drops to the seat and you got 1/4" clearance on that valve....
Finally, "springy" lifters usually don't have oil in them. Ones that feel solid are obviously full, which is as it should be after firing the engine.