Well heres the latest.
After removing all the lifters, dismantling, cleaning and reassembling, put them back into the engine reset the rockers last night, then reset the ignition timing (by ear but should be done properly next week) had to stop as neighbours not too keen on hearing the sound of a carbed Manta late at night

Don't see why not, I could listen to it all day and all night
Tonight went out and checked the compression again and..................................................................
150 psi on all cylinders :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: am I pleased or what, finally I have an engine I know is sound.
Took her out for a good run and still got a flat spot but this is almost certainly down to fuelling and ignition timing as only at low revs and as you accelerate (overfuelling on number 1 choke, but as soon number 2 kicks in oh yeah

).
Also wondering if the pressure regulator is doing the job or set correctly, it has numbers 1-5 with half settings really helpful..not!!!!)
I know and intend to borrow/steal a nice Sard adjustable FPR, from a skyline that is not in use, you never know he might not notice me swap it with the Aldi equivilent mine is using!!!!! :thumb:
However all that i (well probably with Gary's help

) can sort now I have a fully working engine with good compression, finally feel like the last month of cold evenings spent lying under the car coated in oil and antifreeze has all been worthwhile, and I've only broken one nail!!!!!
Have a hunch that when she is running right she is going to fly as even in the state she is in she pulls like a train. :grin :grin I'm thinking that might even get some really "bigpower" of 160hp :-D
I can now say I am officially in love!!! :love:
Suz