The 1970 Camaro LS build begins
05-19-2013, 03:25 PM
#81
05-20-2013, 09:53 AM
#87
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.
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.
Last edited by -TheBandit-; 05-20-2013 at 10:00 AM.
12-25-2013, 06:13 PM
#88
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.
