What are the differences between the Trickflow and Comp Cams checker?

Keep us posted on your progress.

 

To be honest I can't figure out how to use the Trickflow one. The Comp one has a distinctive mark and an exact measurement for each full turn. It seems much easier to measure. I would definitely recommend that anyone looking for a length checker goes with a Comp one.

 

Ok I just got my pushrod length checker in and was going to try it out, but read something about having to "set" the wipe pattern first and from there things started going over my head talking about calipers, test valvesprings, etc.

I was under the impression all I needed both now to make sure what I'm running is ok, and when my ported/milled heads go on was to get this Comp tool and check pushrod length.

 

Here you go...

Hope this helps, it has worked for hundreds of members on here so far.

Shane

 

So I bought the tool basically for nothing?

 

The pushrod length checker is only necessary when you don't have a pushrod of known length within +/- .100" of what you need...

Shane

 

Yes you should.

 

What else changes that pattern besides the pushrod? I must be confused or over complicating the issue.

The rockers just bolt down...there is no adjustment. They are just torqued to 22ft/lbs no?

 

Can you do this method with a pushrod checker?Just use the checker and adjust it till you get the right size for your turns on the torque wrench.That should tell you the size you need?

 

You can only change the pattern by moving the rocker base up and down. To move it up you shim the rocker, to move it down you need an aftermarket support that then is milled to reduce height. The pushrod will not change the wipe pattern unless you use a stud mounted rocker, which are not as stable.

 

Shane,

I used this method checking my car tonight. Using a 7.4 pushrod I have two full turns till the bolt gets snug. Not to 22ft lbs, snug.

If I have done the math right my lifter preload is about .094. I am using stock GM lifters with 49,xxx miles on them.

Thanks for any advice.

Good thread OP!

 

I get 0.130" of preload. You can't just multiply the 0.047 times 2, doesn't work.

 

I'm not following you.

 

I checked Shanes method against mine and against a dial indicator. He states 1 turn from zero lash is 0.047" preload. I found the same thing. However, 1/3 turn of the one turn is to tighten the bolt after it bottoms. I found this to be pretty consistant. So, any number of turns you count, you have to remove the 1/3 turn that isn't providing preload.

If you have two turns from zero lash, subtract 1/3 turn and you have 1-2/3 turns total that is actually moving the rocker down and depressing the pushrod into the lifter.

1.667 turns X 1.25 mm per turn = 2.084mm

To convert to inches devide by 25.4 = 0.082"

Now you have to correct for the rocker ratio: 0.082 X 2.7/1.7 = 0.130"

Hope that makes sense.

 

I'm with you till the last part. Why do you have to have to correct for the rocker ratio?

 

vettenuts is the guru on this but I made this spreadsheet a while back to tell you preload based on the number of turns from zero lash to 22 ft.lbs. (Shane's method). You factor in rocker ratio because - as you tighten the bolt the rocker arm is pivoting with the valve tip end fixed so the pushrod end moves more than the bolt.

 

Good to know. So I'd say I have too much preload.

 

I would say to check it and go from there.

 

I think so too. If you have 2 turns from zero lash to snug then you likely have 2.3 turns to 22 ft. lbs. That puts pre-load around .150".

 

I usually went for as close to a half turn from 0 lash... thats where I've gotten my best results