At what point would you step up to ferrea hollow stem valves

All it takes is the right valve spring. You could put in a valve with a 1/2” stem and with enough spring not experience valve float. :thumbsup:
And BEEFY pushrods, lol! My "Killer 6" got wound to 7k a few times with "249" 340HP singles/dampers, no drama or damage or sound of "float", but when I retired it the evidence was there upon teardown.....