I would check the1.75 ratio against the 1.7 ratio with the extra .075". Did you have .060" between each coil at full lift? Are the 3/8" pushrods required. Good strength but extra weight at that rpm. I run the stock rockers at 7600 all day with no problems so far. The lifter is GM Racing # 88958689. Spring pressure is 135lbs. @ seat-355lbs. open. Yours is probably more radical. I have 7.400" Comp Hy-Tech 5/16" pushrods. Heads cut .030" with .051" head gasket. 241 head w/ET Perf CNC Stage 2. I have never heard of .160" preload, but we're still learning. In the old "solid" days, .002"-.006" made a big difference. You're talking .100" more preload. .040"-.080" is what I was told was the norm from ETP. The tighter more low end, the looser more top end. I run mine on the looser side, about .042" according to the dial when torqued. No valve train noise. Is it possible with the extra preload, the oil pressure at higher rpm is creating more lift by holding the pushrod higher in the lifter, still bleeding off enough to seat the valve, simulating a bigger cam producing extra power? Just trying to get a grasp. Ask Speed Inc. to factor what your cam is supposed to run. You can't get more rpms if the cam isn't made or degreed for it. Do you have a pushrod length checker and 7.5" caliper? You can set up different preloads, making sure your rocker arm tip stays generally in the center of the valve tip for correct geometry. Also, a tired motor can rev higher due to "loose parts". Who suggested the extra preload? Goes to Helicoil and OnebadWS6. My example was done 2 years ago, preload was recommended only 40-80.