The springs and retainers were Crane Blue Racer. That doesn't sound right. Are you running standard valves? Correct installed height should be 1.820" from memory. I was supplied the wrong collets in that package (big block Chev apparently), so I guess anything is possible. The bloke who assembled the heads didn't note anything else wrong with it once all installed. I would say that either your retainers are wrong or your valves are not stock (ie off something else). At least you arrived at a pretty good seat pressure for a mild engine. That should give you about 260 open at a guess. Only problem now could be rocker to retainer clearance if you decide to go with rollers at some stage. Yeah you should always count on nicking a seat, even if it's just with the chuck or something and not the burr. It's a shame your mate can't stretch to getting the heads serviced, as apart from being able to clean up the dags and ridges in the port, it would be real peace of mind for you knowing the job will be right. It will be an oil burner from day one if the guides are wórn. Sent from my CPH1903 using Tapatalk