Did the lifters go back in the same hole they were removed from ?

I see a lot of pitting on those heads , I would have sent them to the machine shop for resurfacing,but thats just me.

Did you at least replace the valve guide seals ? by the looks of those piston tops I say she was dropping oil too.

The lifters may pump up, go take it for a "spirited" drive for a few miles, that may help.