thanks for the advice glen.  theres no way i would start that engine without tripple checking the clearance on everything.  im pretty sure i will have to have the pistons notched, but i am taking the head and block to the machine shop next week so it will get done then.  the shop is gonna check everything and make sure its all good.  they are gonna grind my valve seats, install valve guides, install valves and springs, mill the headgasket surface of either the block or head or both, hone the cylinder walls, balance the bottom end, and assemble the bottom end. ive tried to plan it out so everything works with everything else.  ive been slowly collecting parts for about a month.  i chose that cam carefully.  i didnt want a lot of duration.  i dont need to go up to 7000rpm or anything crazy.

i figured the valves were all the same height, thanks for answering that.

as far as california goes, ive got plates and its totally street legal.