That's a funny point zac4mac. Mike could be right in that the old Hot Cams shims are not quite hardened as much as what the factory provides. But so what?

As long as it makes it to each adjustment interval without being too far out of spec, who cares? I would actually prefer the softest shim possible to make it to each valve adjustment period. Why? There's going to be wear of some sort. I'd rather wear out a shim than a camshaft. I don't re-use shims for that reason and I'm anal so don't argue with me that it's unneccesary because you're right but they're cheap;)

If EBR feels a harder shim is a good midway between cam wear and long service intervals, who am I to disagree?