Sinister_Z28

So i put a pair of stock LS3 valve covers on my 408 that has LSA heads and stock rockers and i have rocker tap. So my question is whats the best way to clearance them. I was thinking of using a ball peen hammer to make indentations to give it its clearance but i want to know what all of u guys do. This is my first stroker build so i have never had to deal with this issue before. Thanks

Realcanuk

I had the same issue. Got some clearance with a hammer but then had the issue again after a cam change. This time I used yella terra thick valve cover gaskets. They worked perfectly and give 1/8 inch extra clearance.

Sinister_Z28

So i should be able to get the clearance i need for my stock parts with just a hammer but if i need more ill have to change to a thicker gasket?

Realcanuk

With stock rockers I'm surprised they hit at all. A little grinding would probably take care of it. You sure they are hitting the covers?

Sinister_Z28

Its the only thing i can think of. The car ran perfectly before i swaped to the stock valve covers. My cam has a 0.650"lift if that explains it. What else could it be?

Realcanuk

I guess .650 lift might do it. If there was no noise with higher covers, it has to be that. If you hadnt said it was quiet with other covers I would say possible pushrod length was off. When my rockers were hitting I could see the marks on the rocker, and the cover. Take them off and look very closely and you should see them.

sandragnx

iTrader: (82)

Did you look or see any where marks under the covers?If you don't,maybe you need to ck your lifter preload.

Sinister_Z28

I havent pulled em yet but i will pull em tonight after work. The covers before were extremly tall and the engine ran perfect cause i listened very carefully for any noise and there wasnt anything out of the ordinary.

Whistler

iTrader: (46)

If its just the thin metal shield inside they're hitting, then yes, you can just ping it with a small hammer , or use a blunt Phillips screwdriver and hit that to be more accurate.

Sinister_Z28

Well the rockers arnt touching the valve covers at all. So i puled the valve covers and fired it and its ticking a little bit and squeeling. WHAT IN THE HELL COULD IT BE? The rockers look fine and are working properly so i have no clue now.

sandragnx

iTrader: (82)

Ticking maybe not enough lifter preload?Squeeling if not belts may be to tight rod bearing?Just my guess.

Sinister_Z28

Ok well ill call the short block builder tommorow and see what he thinks. Just out of curiousity how do u fix a squeeling belt?

sandragnx

iTrader: (82)

Squeeling belts not a big deal.Take them of and if squeeling is still there,I would drop pan and ck oil for metal.I've seen/heard when bearings are tight make a squeeling noise.Not sure if that is the case with what your hearing but just making a suggestion.Hope it's just belt squeeling your hearing.Good luck

Sinister_Z28

Well thank god it was only a squeeling AC belt so its all good now. So i was out for a little late night disturbing the peace and after a little while ill noticed a immediate loss of power and then a check engine light. I got home and checked my codes and i had two. They were, P01317 and P0151. My code reader said "02 circuit low voltage bank one" and the other one said " 02 circuit low voltage bank 2". What does this mean. With the loss of power id asume a plug wire came lose but idk.