340 build

Ok i agree with Moparman on everything BUT tossing them EDDY heads, because it will cost some $$$ for a head gasket.
For that matter why can't he just reinstall the head gasket he had on there.
1930, I'M NOT RECOMMENDING THIS BUT....FOR THEARY...
The head gasket he used was 53 or .053 and the highest piston pop up was .020=.013 piston the head clearance.
That's a Loooong long way from the .035-.040 that is recommended.(EDIT MY MATH SUCKS!!!! = .033) BUT!!! He "did not" have piston to head contact, he had "valve" to piston contact. I'm vary confident that even if it wasn't valve float that caused the valve to piston contact, and there just wasn't enough piston to valve clearance. By the time he grind off that shelf in the valve relief, on the piston, there will be boatloads of clearance and become a non issue.
Now your issue with the thicker head gasket is that it might hold the head up to high and keep the manifold from bolting up. Wasn't a problem with .053" head gaskets.
If you don't want to worry bout any of this a just bolt it up and it works. Then by all means by the right head for 340, us any head gasket, use stock pushrod,(don't measure the will work) and throw it together. It will work you won't need to know why!
However if you want to learn something and make a better mouse trap, like all of us hot rodder do, then you need to press on.
Moparman, after re reading this, it sounds like I'm trying to pick a fight with you. TRUST ME THAT NOT THE CASE. Just getting some info out there.
1930 please tell me you mark the piston or the rod before you pulled them out..........