[D7N7MASTER]

It's not like I haven't been doing this VW, oh ohhh(air cooled) thing for years. But this is our first 914. We have owned & wrenched plenty'o bugs. Adjusted the valves every other oil change. But - the cooling tin on the 914. I'm sure that it's designed to optimize air distribution, but s**t; almost everytime I check/adjust the valves, I either end up with a bloody knuckle & or long bloody scratches on the inside of my arms from reaching to the farthest adjustors. & to make matters worse; I usually see 6's & 8's when I check the gap + or- .001". My bugs weren't like that. Valve lash always closed gap... Finding .004" on my 1776's intakes became an "expectation". Finallly went hydraulic & never looked back. 'Til now. Are 914 2.0's known to maintain their valve clearances? The car runs great. Starts great. Zip Zero valve clatter at start up. Then has a bit of valve clatter after about 10 minutes of driving. (noticed mostly if there is a block wall or eq. reflecting the sound back or I have to stop at a RED light. Then by the time I arrive @ work, say 8 miles, I don't hear near as much valve clatter. In fact, she sound GOOD! Is this normal?
Thanks, Gary