Sounds like incorrect installation to me as well. To put the pedestal type rockers on you just need to be on the base circle to avoid binding of the pedestal, then torque the bolt down to spec. Any lifter preload has to be taken up with either shims, different pushrod length or adjustable rockers. There is no possible adjustment by the torque of the bolt.
When I worked on my cavalier, I did not even have to rotate the motor, all the rockers bolted back on and compressed the springs on the open valves with no binding.
If this fellow has converted his car to studs and chevy type rockers than he is doing it ok, but it does not sound like that is the case to me!
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