scondon- you're right about the angle of the tappet adjuster changing as it depresses the valve, but i assume that the major point is to find a consistent point of lift that is measurable beyond the actual beginning of the lobe ramp. i set my dial indicator so that it is only depressed a small amount past .040" so that it wouldn't try and move out of its axis from the angle of the tappet adjuster screw changing. i figured as long as it always zeroed back out and always measured the same degree at the same lift, it must be working within the formula. i notice that megacycle's numbers for opening and closing are pretty different, but it makes sense since their measurements are supposed to be actual opening and closing times, not the same at 1mm. i managed to get my cheap-ass harbor freight dial indicator to stick to the steel cover bolts. it wasn't incredibly stable, but again- i was relying on multiple corroborating readings to verify consistency. your steel plate idea sounds great.
brent- i think i will try to measure off of the follower end of the tappet come to think of it. the 650 has that entire section wide open (again, this is where you measure valve lash on these heads), so it should be easy. funny thing is, the "midnight oil" ends up being whatever time i can cram in between other prioritized work for other people. (note what time i'm posting this... and i have to work in the morning). nice to have people on my side thought buddy- i've sure needed it.
Buber- the banjo bolts you are referring to are for routing the oil lines around the barrels to the head, to avoid the close proximity to the cylinder sleeves and heat, as well as to avoid the leaks that like to spring up there. if you're not familiar with the frankenstein beast i'm building, search "650 550 hybrid" on here. oh yeah, the "fancy clutch cover" is just a polished 550 cover. i did have to hog out a little around the 650 primary clutch gear to make it fit, but i'll get to that eventually in the other thread.
