If your missing and backfiring it is for sure probably from the rockers...think about it Matt. Why wouldn't it? If the rockers are loose the valve isn't opening when it is supposed to or closing at the right time...
And yes, Loctite. It has been used on plenty of cars here...don't worry...there is nothing wrong with it.
Never had any issues...most of the time even if you do clean the holes your still going to have issues with the TTY or Comp bolts backing out. Use a dab of loctite and you won't have to worry about em.