Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

? on clay method of checking p to v

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 7, 2005 | 06:22 AM
  #1  
tdrumm's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,373
Likes: 1
From: Northeast, NJ
Default ? on clay method of checking p to v

Got a couple of questions on checking piston to valve clearance using the clay method.

1. What type of clay?
2. Should I check it with or without the head gaskets? - I'll be using .045 Cometics
3. If I don't use the head gaskets, do I just add in the thickness to the measurement I get?
4. What is the safe minimum clearances on the intake and exhaust?

Thanks
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2005 | 08:26 AM
  #2  
PREDATOR-Z's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 14,620
Likes: 17
From: BFE
Default

Originally Posted by tdrumm
Got a couple of questions on checking piston to valve clearance using the clay method.

1. What type of clay? Natural clay, not elastic
2. Should I check it with or without the head gaskets? - I'll be using .045 Cometics. You can do it without, but Cometic are reusable and you should use ARP bolts anyways, so i would put them on for a clearer picture.
3. If I don't use the head gaskets, do I just add in the thickness to the measurement I get? Yes compressed value
4. What is the safe minimum clearances on the intake and exhaust?
That is a grey area, I like .080 int/ and .100 exhaust for the street (kinda conservative, but I've never kissed my pistons)
Thanks
......
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2005 | 08:42 AM
  #3  
tdrumm's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,373
Likes: 1
From: Northeast, NJ
Default

Thanks a lot! And yes, I am using ARP bolts. Ever heard of anyone bottoming them out in the bolt holes with milled heads?
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2005 | 08:51 AM
  #4  
PREDATOR-Z's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 14,620
Likes: 17
From: BFE
Default

No, but I've seen issues with later LS blocks (block thread holes not deep enough)
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2005 | 01:42 PM
  #5  
Dixit's Avatar
TECH Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Canton GA
Default

Originally Posted by PREDATOR-Z
No, but I've seen issues with later LS blocks (block thread holes not deep enough)
Yeap that being me when I put ARP Bolts in, called ARP and its a known issue they sell a special tool to bore the last threads that GM missed. But the tool costs over $100. Or they said you can safely grind a thread or two off the end of the bolt.

Dixit
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2005 | 03:33 PM
  #6  
MadBill's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
Default

Quote <2. Should I check it with or without the head gaskets? - I'll be using .045 Cometics. You can do it without> End quote

1.Don't the truck pistons come above the deck like other LS engines? If so, it's not going to crank over with no gaskets.
2.Besides, theres less chance of getting a 'negative clearance reading' with the gasket in place.
3. And once the piston/deck is measured, perhaps a thinner gasket would be good for squish and compression ratio.The forum consensus is that 0.030" clearance is plenty. safe.
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2005 | 03:40 PM
  #7  
ssheets's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 0
From: Gardnerville, NV.
Default

Originally Posted by MadBill
Quote <2. Should I check it with or without the head gaskets? - I'll be using .045 Cometics. You can do it without> End quote

1.Don't the truck pistons come above the deck like other LS engines? If so, it's not going to crank over with no gaskets.
2.Besides, theres less chance of getting a 'negative clearance reading' with the gasket in place.
3. And once the piston/deck is measured, perhaps a thinner gasket would be good for squish and compression ratio.The forum consensus is that 0.030" clearance is plenty. safe.
Clarify, that's .030" quench, not P to V. Predator was talking P to V.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:34 AM.

story-0
10 Reasons Daily Driving a Swap Project SUCKS! (& 1 Reason to Do It Anyway)

Slideshow: 10 reasons daily-driving a swap project might not be for you. Or is it?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-17 09:39:05


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 14:55:56


VIEW MORE
story-2
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-18 10:26:23


VIEW MORE
story-3
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-5
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-6
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-7
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE