just looked up some old messages so i could give props where due to fellow forum members.
capnspif: ended my long search for F valves... and then practically gave 'em away. appreciate it.
scondon: hooked me up with a replacement F camshaft, and again... no gouging involved. thanks.
thanks to anyone else i'm forgetting who helped with little bits i don't remember but which contributed to the end result all the same.