Useable valve lift

[4.whoa]

I have a head that was rebuilt about 2 years ago. I had the shop do a full valve job,install new seals,and deck it. Now i need to rebuild the bottom end,and am deciding what cam to use/ will fit. I'm not sure all of what previous owners have done(if springs are stock or not), so i figured i could check what room i had for lift by using a valvespring compressor and dial indicator. I have NO desire to rebuild the head again since it only has about 10k on it.I didn't have time to get to them all yet,but so far it has .500-.510 on the intakes and .490-.500 on the exhaust.I have the dial indicator set as close to aligned with the valve as i can get it.will this be adequate or am i missing something?

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[SilverXJ]

I would remove the valve and put in a vice with some larger flat washers and measure its max lift. IIRC you want .060" at least between the coils. Then use either a checking spring or just handle the valve and retainer carefully and measure the retainer to seal clearance.