What would be the best procedure for adjusting valves if you wanted to start from scratch? I know about TDC and which valves to do and the proper order.
Should I back the valves off and go through the normal process or what? I have adjusted them once and went a 1/4 turn after the slack was out but I still have some ticking. I tightened the valves up untill the pushrod was hard to turn and then 1/4 turn more. I didnt want to get them too tight.These are hydraulic lifters.

You may want to disassembly the lifters and check them, I tighted the push rods until the slack is taken out or a slight drag on rotating the push rod then a 1/4 turn, I hate to say it but I think you may have tighted them to much, I really feel inspection of the lifters and cam is you best option.

Starting from scratch - With no intake manifold installed I watch the center part of the lifter and tignten until it's down in it's bore a smidge.

When I adjust them with engine running, I tighten down until they stop clicking and go 3/4 of a revolution more.

I may put a set of new lifters in tomorrow. Is there anything special about doing that. Do the pushrods need to go back in the same place they came out of? It has been a long time since I have worked on an engine. All help and advice appreciated.

If your going to install new lifters youmneed to apply moly came lube to the cam lobes,lifter faces/bottoms that ride on cam lobes,change the oil & filter and pour a qt of GM EOS or Crane engineg breakin lube over the lifters into the crakcase before installing the intake.

Then follow std cam breakin procedures from there.

I will email some cam install/lube proceedures i put together that may be of help to you so watch your email for it.

Scott