Lifted Lifters

[enaberif]

I'm not sure what to really call this but I am in the process of swapping intakes to rid myself of the heavy ass cast iron manifold and finally got it off then I noticed this.

I have 3 circles that I am particularly looking at.

2 of the red circles shows the lifters unseated from their normal position than all the others. Is this normal? The other thing I found was a u shaped clip which looks like it may have come from a lifter.

The other thing of concern is the one push rod that is absolutely spotless that I have also circled in red.

Now before I really go and drop a bunch of money on this motor its a tired old 305 which I recently disocvered and thought was a 350. I can probably find a fairly cheap short block 350 for $200-300 and do a fairly quick swap with everything I already have.

Anyone have advice on what may have caused this issues?

[zieg85]

Normal lifter movement.  The cam pushes them up an in turn opens the valve.

[enaberif]

Hmm ok.. Finding a loose lifter clip tho.. Bit disconcerning.  But if you say this is normal.. But why only two?

[zieg85]

Clips off are not good, could have wrong lifters, hard to say by the pictures.

[enaberif]

I'm hoping by installing a new intake and gaskets and proper gaskets on the valve covers I can run this engine till it dies next year lol.

Clip was the middle one.