cheering, EDXR8 can I just download your brain to mine, would save alot of heart ache, it's been a long time since I did an engine, I'm used to jet planes, thanks for all the help, I'm sure I'll need more..

Cheapest hydraulic roller lifters I've seen for 5.0's are US$425.

If you're reusing the stock rocker covers, really try to get the rocker cover gaskets off in one piece, as cork ones are harder to get to seal.

Have you got exhaust gaskets as well?

yep, got my kit when I got home form hols today, cork rocker gaskets, but I'll see what happens, I'm going to take progress pics start to finish, the heads and manifold replacement starts this friday, wish me luck

I have had good luck with cork rocker cover gaskets, I just coat both sides with a thin layer of silicon gasket maker and make sure not to overtorque them (really only finger tight plus maybe 1/4 to 1/2 a turn). Let them set for a few hours at least, overnight is better, and then they should hold up well.