[Alan Roehrich]

Wow, 0.035" is tight. Real tight. I'd want double that, minimum, even on an automatic car. If you haven't done it, I'd seriously consider cutting 0.035" off the valve face, if it leaves you with enough margin. A bent exhaust valve would not be my worry. I'd think that might hit hard enough to break an exhaust rocker, and if it does, I hope you don't have Shubeck style lifters.