Valve Adjusters Revisited - Now also valve lash caps! Options

[bbrock]

I know valve adjustment screws have discussed to death, but frankly, the information is all over the mat and the more I read, the more confused I get. I'm hoping to get some clarity for my build. Here's the situation: stock "GA" 2.0L engine. The only mod on this engine is the OE camshaft got a mild regrind for carbs and I installed euro spec (flat top) pistons. This is not a performance build, just looking for reliability.

The heads are in Sonoma being rebuilt right now and, based on advice from this forum, will get a new set of SS valves. I have a box full of rocker assemblies from several engines, including both 8mm and 10mm versions. My original plan was to install the 10mm rockers with a new set of OE adjustment screws, but I have read that SS valves require either swivel foot adjusters or lash caps to protect the stem ends. True or False? Manley valves have hardened tips (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

If it's true that SS valves need extra protection, I like the swivel foot adjuster options, but they are damn expensive and i AM trying to stay in a budget here. Lash caps seems the less expensive option but what is the best way to deal with the extra length they add to the valve stems?

Again, I'm just looking for a reliable engine that provides new stock performance. I'm not interested in upgrades that only benefit high performance engines or provide nothing but bragging rights.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[bbrock]

This has been a great thread. Thanks all for your input. I've decided to follow Mark Heard's lead. Those TP swivel feet look really good and it sounds like people are having great luck with them. Looks like a good way to good nearly or equal to genuine 911 feet on a budget. I'm going to send my 10mm rockers to bugguy1967 and have him machine them and send me the swivel feet and solid spacers. From reading, it sounds like with that setup has a good chance of getting the geometry right without having to shim or cut custom pushrods. But I'll check and cross that bridge if I have to. I'd like to stick with aluminum pushrods (sticking with stock springs) as I've read that chromoly tend to be noisy. I'm just looking for good valve life on a nearly stock engine and quieting the clatter in the process if possible.