Trouble tuning 340.

Absolutely it can. But to use it trying to make a big difference in cylinder pressure.....especially adjusting clearance to very wide specs ain't the best way to go about it.

Of course here we are again on a thread trying to help someone whose given the least amount info as possible. When will we learn?
While I appreciate your help, you are under no obligation to help me. I stated everything that I know in my original post. I am a young guy who is doing this for the first time. I tried setting my valves with preload as if they were hydraulic lifters, but got zero compression (car wouldn't even start). I've looked to this forum for reference many times but hesitate to ask for help because I don't have the knowledge that you guys do.