Lifter failure

Dave,
The FT lifter problem was never there prior to the mid 90s when manufacture moved out of the USA...

Also, back 'in the day', we didn't have to remove inner springs for break in. Pontiac engines came from the factory with dual springs. They didn't remove the springs from 000s of engines for break in. Likewise engines such as the Hemi, 6 pack, L-88 Chev, etc all used heavy springs &...broken in with these. It is not the oil either, a convenient scapegoat....