I just did my heads 2 weeks ago and all my springs were either right on spec or a couple lbs heavier. Comp 987-16's

How much can they loosen up really? I discard springs anything close to 10% loss

I think I phrased that wrong. What I heard is that new springs can be a little stiffer than whats advertised, then after a little break in they would be right where they are supposed to be.

Yeah like I said I did mine and most were 2-4lbs heavier than advertised.

With the small cam your running the 1.80" install height is just fine. They will never float unless you are ussing heavy aftermarket rockers like Harland sharp or Comp )both suck). Your pretty much just wasting time shimming for a XE lobe Cam since the lift rates are slow.

Alright sounds good to me, the simpler the better.