Classic/Antique Car Repair: setting the valves?, hydraulic valve lifters, loud noises

Question
Hi Dick
My 64 Pontiac(Chev. engine) 230 6 cyl 3 speed is coming along.
I was mentioning to a friend that I was still unsatisfied with the performance.The engine just doesnt sound right,and I still get the odd backfire.The carb has been tuned and is clean,new fuel pump and filter.
He thinks I need to set the valves.He says Its just a matter of taking off the valve cover,loosening a bolt,turning a set screw,and retightening the bolt and putting the cover back on.
Does this sounf right to you?

Answer
OHHHH NUTS!  This site lost my response again! - I typed a loooong message back to you last night, now I see the question is still in the unanswered column.

OK< your engine has hydraulic valve lifters - they never need adjusting unless someone has had it apart and didn't set them right when putting it back together. Yes, you can do it is, but I doubt very much that is what is wrong.

You may have told me, but after almost 3000 of these Q&As, everything in the past is a blur - so tell me again, what is the engine doing?  What do you mean by "backfire"?   Do you mean fire comes up out of the carburetor, or do you mean loud noises from the tailpipe?

I'll try to help if I can, once I know the answer to that question.

Dick