Lifter problems????

OK, I lied...it's not the lifter..IT'S THE PUSHROD.

Theory: Since the pushrods were cut down to the necessary length, my friend (machinist) suggested that the pushrods ends might be soft and wearing.

Turns out he was right!! All of the pushrods are showing wear. However, #6 Intake was VISIBLY shorter and the tip is worn to a semipoint where it seats in the lifter. I think it would have only been a short matter of time before they all started this.

Ok, so now I need pushrods. Problem is this pesky "too short" issue we had in the first place. Why would rods NOT be long enough when you are using stock head castings, stock rods, stock style lifters, etc? We assumed it was because the cam was ground smaller than a stock cam. I believe he measured it to confirm that theory at the time.

Any thoughts?

The idea of an adustable valvetrain to remedy the issue is not very attractive at this point. Check pic..rods are #6 pair intake (left) Exhaust (right) Lifter end. Top end looks spiffy fine.....