I wouldn't be so sure over-reving did it - every one of your pistons has marks where the valves hit them - did you check piston to vavle clearance on it??

 

Yes I did, but obviously not the proper way. I have decided to take out the MS4 cam and get one speced by Martin at Tick. I am taking a step back this time and gonna go a little more conservative on it.

 

Was never crazy about the MS4 myself - liked the MS3 better. Hope you get it straight soon!

 

Thanks....me too

 

So what method did you use to check valve piston clearance and what did you come up with? Did you have springs appropriate for the cam?

Hopefully none of the other valves are bent.

 

My buddy checked the ptv clearance, not sure how he did it....I have .650 springs, and I am gonna change all the intake valves.

What is the proper way to check ptv clearance? I am gonna do it myself this time. Thanks

 

There are two common ways to do it - clay method and indicator method. I did both on my build. I prefered the simplicity of the clay method and the additional info it provides (both radial & axial valve clearance).

With the clay method you will need to install a pair of solid lifters. You can make a pair yourself out of old lifters (search around on LS1tech). Clean the piston tops very well, apply about 1/4" thick strip of modeling clay across the valve reliefs, spray the valve with a non-stick spray (I used WD-40), and install & torque the head with gasket. Next install rockers & pushrods. You will need to use an adjustable pushrod for this to eliminate lash. You can use just one, assembling one rocker assembly at a time and adjusting it to zero lash. Then rotate the engine at least two full revolutions, switch the pushrod to the other valve, then rotate another two full revolutions. The valves will make an impression in the clay. Remove the head. Use a sharp exacto blade, cut the clay and measure the cross section with calipers or a steel rule.







The advantage of the clay method is that you can see both axial and radial clearance. In the case of the image above from my LY6 build, a flat top piston would have had very little clearance.

 

Update....motor is back together, I went with the Tick performance stage 2 torquemax cam speced by Martin. It is currently at Big 3 Racing in Brunswick Ohio getting tuned. So far it is putting down 400 hp at the wheels and 375 tq on a mustang dyno. Here is a video clip Big 3 sent me: I am happy with it for just being a cam and exhaust swap.

 

Really nice looking ride. I had one I never finished and regret it all the time.

 

Thanks......I can't wait to get it back and install the Hotchkis suspension.

 

Great build! I am working on a ls swap in my 73 camaro. I have had a lot of questions answered from your build.

 

Looking good and sounding even better!

 

Thanks for the awesome exhaust guys!!!

 

Very nice! I am doing a swap in my 77' and am also a nastyz member

 

How well did alternator fit. Did you have to modify anything?