Shake&Bake

Hi guys, first post for me but I

Slows2k

It's entirely possible the cam holders or cylinder head has been removed before you got the car. Of the many S2k's I've had the valve cover off, none have had loose cam holder bolts.

When the bolts are loose, the valve clearance will be greater than the with them tightened properly.

Race Miata

Were the bolts backed out or just under-torqued? I know that some click-type torque wrenches aren't very accurate at low numbers.

Shake&Bake

The one bolt #16 had about 1/2

Slows2k

If the car had a suspected "money shift" or mechanical overrev, the previous owner may of had the cams and holders removed to check for cracking valve retainers. 1/2 of exposed bolt shank would mean the bolt was never tightened properly. It's pretty unlikely the car left the plant this way.