They are both the same.

It is probably not a good idea to change what the distributor came with. If you use a stronger pin, instead of breaking the pin you may break the gear or cause further damage such as the cam gear.

https://www.huyett.com/products/fasteners/pins/spring-pins

If there is concern of a problem I would put the transmission in neutral, ask someone to push in on the clutch and see if you can turn the disc by pushing on the edge with a screw driver before starting.

If it does not spin easily you may be overloading the pilot bearing or something in the transmission. Take it apart before you ruin it.

Was installing Rockauto OEM style mounts and the rubber de-laminated from the metal plate as I was readjusting the engine to bolt it in. I would avoid OEM style.



I installed a similar style as the person who started the post and had no problems. Nothing to de-laminate if your foot slips off the clutch.

What cam and lifters are you running?

You add spacers under the pedestals to correct the geometry of the rocker system so the rocker arm contacts the tip of the valve in the proper location.

You change push rod length to change preload on the lifter.

I assume you are running hydraulic lifters. If you had so much preload you bottomed out the plunger (piston) in the lifters, you would have significant valve overlap and a poor idle.

If your idle is OK, I would look at other issues which could influence the amount or quality of oil at the bearings and verify the bearings were installed properly to start with.

If you are concerned you have to much preload you should buy an adjustable push rod with the same diameter balls on the tip which your engine requires. It is used to determine the proper length push rod you need.
With the cam set in the proper position you install the rod loose then increase the length so you take up all the free play but do not preload the lifter. You remove it and measure the length of the rod. Then add to the measurement the amount of lifter preload you want. Preload for conventional lifters is .030" to .040". Then you order rods of the correct length. Someone just posted NAPA sells push rods which are .03 longer or shorter than standard for $5 each.

If you measure the existing rod and someone installed the wrong length you may still have the problem even if you install a rod .03" shorter. The push rods these engines require do not have holes in them because the rockers are lubricated through the oil feed holes in the head.

The difference in preload between hot and cold should not cause a notable change in clearance/preload.

If the engine rotates, take out a plug and use a long thin screw driver or welding rod to help you measure the stroke.

Do you have a working PCV system?
Mine was doing the same after the rebuild until I installed one.
Pulling a vacuum under the pistons helps keep the oil from going past the rings

Do  have points and condenser? If so, replace the condenser.
Not sure if the MSD set up has one.