I just did cyls 1 and 7. They both have about 1/8 at the top and 1/16 at the bottom between the head and piston. I used the .038 gasket, tightened by hand with the socket.
I get that theory. The running springs don't allow the valve to lift as far as a checking spring would, because of the spring pressure. I checked them with the running springs when I disassembled it.
I have checking springs. The lifters are soft now. It hasn't run in years.
I have one mech lifter. I could check them with the running springs and the solid lifter. That would be a lot of work.
I could use the checking springs. That would be a lot of work, too!
I had plenty of PV when I disassembled it (Min .180). I didn't move the cam, the only change I made is a gasket that's about .016 thinner.