KA24DE question, HELP!!

[jal240sxpal]

I am new here and I have searched the forums for this particular problem, but with not much success. I am a musclecar fanatic and undertook the task of helping my son get his "dream car" a 240sx. We have a KA24DE that we began a rebuild on...and not being familiar with the DOHC engines, I inadvertantly rotated the engine on the stand after removing the intake and exhaust cams... little did I know those little "buckets" that covered the valve springs would all drop off onto the floor. I have asked some of my musclehead buddies and the conclusion was as if it were an american made car, I would need all new valve lifters to keep from wipeing the cam lobes if I put the original ones back in not knowing which valve they came off of in the first place. Although, looking at each one, and new ones, the "buckets" also have a shim which is the actual contact point for the cam lobes. A new set of valve lifters will run $350 or more, is it absolutely necessary to replace the lifters, or can the shims just be replaced..? I don't see any wear pattern on the cam lobes or shims, they all look identical. All input would be greatly appreciated.

[480sx]

Uhg you got yourself into a mess hah. Those things have already mated with the corresponding cam lobe, and they are supposed to stay in their original location. The shims themselves are STUPID expensive too. What you are going to want to do is just slap them back in there, put your cams in, and check your clearances with a feeler gage. After a while you can figure out which are the high ones and which are the low ones. At that point you can start swapping them around trying to make sure that they are all within spec. You might get lucky and not have to do much swapping, it really depends on the shape of the motor.

[jal240sxpal]

where can I find the specs for the proper clearances... ? I realize this will be time consuming... but in the long run.. I would rather spend the time doing this than spending $$$$ on new parts. Appreciate the help.. thanks so much.