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I'm installing 1218x pac springs and new retainers. I just noticed that a little less of the valve stem is sticking out of the retainer. From my measurements it looks around .75mm difference. Looking at everything, it still seems like the the rocker is making contact with the valve stem and not the retainer, BUT it is very close. Should I worry about this?
Last edited by 2001ws6ft; May 18, 2021 at 10:37 PM.
Those retainers look like they're meant for a valve with a taller tip. Use some feeler gauges and see what your clearance is. I would probably want at least .030" gap there.
Those retainers look like they're meant for a valve with a taller tip. Use some feeler gauges and see what your clearance is. I would probably want at least .030" gap there.
Upon closer inspection, the retainers really don't look like they're creating that much difference. I used new comp cam hardened locks. I may be crazy, but I think they are further down in the retainer. I installed a comp cam lock on a stock spring and retainer and left the other one with the stock lock on a stock spring and retainer. I believe, 3/4 of the issue is the stupid locks unless my eyes are deceiving me.
comp cam lock
Last edited by 2001ws6ft; May 19, 2021 at 09:23 PM.
Retainers/Locks are wrong. Either put stock/Stock back in or use PAC-R311 and PAC-L8113.
I'm using the 511 titanium retainers from pac(they're expensive and overkill, but found them from a guy who never ended up using his).
I took out the comp cam locks and used the original gm locks. They are sitting just fine. Plenty of clearance. I don't know if I feel like bothering with the pacL8113 locks. Paying for them, waiting for shipping,etc. I'd be looking at a week out. I'm going to check the installed height on one of the valves with a micrometer to check it's where it's supposed to be and call it a day.
I CANT BELIEVE replacement comp cam ls locks could've created an issue.
Last edited by 2001ws6ft; May 20, 2021 at 09:09 PM.
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Rocker arm to retainer clearance 
