00pooterSS

iTrader: (40)

It is messy, but for some reason the last time I did one with the one full turn method something didn't quite work out and I had to go back and reset the lash and it was just so much easier and faster to do it running than keep pulling the valve covers and putting them on and running it and something not being quite right.

May be because I wasn't real experienced with that style setup but I kept having a valve or two get hung slightly open. Took me all of 10 minutes max to have them all perfect doing it while running and I think that's why all the old school guys that I talk to prefer to do it with them running.

EVERY old schooler I know likes to do them that way. I've been a tech 20+ years so I have worked with a lot of them, that and I talk to them at car shows etc, I'm usually with the older crowd so I pick their brains a lot on the dinosaur ****.

1994Vmax

iTrader: (4)

I have always found 1 turn is way too much... I did that once on an old truck I had and it wouldn't rev mostly because the valves were hanging open. I have always set them to half a turn after zero play in the push rod and never had any issues... Running works too but it's a mess and if you use center bolt heads the cut valve cover thing is kind of useless.

Bgbldodge

Was talking to some folks on gmt400 and wanted y'all's opinion as well. They are saying I should at least update to ls6 springs with some different retainers and seals to get more available valve lift without doing a bunch of machine work.

I should only be around .456/.469 lift with the current cam and 1.6 rockers, I'm not to worried about the stock springs. But if I wanted to follow their advice it looks like I'd need the below parts list of retainers, umbrella style seals, and ls6 springs:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-787-16
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/..._YwuUvO7QA9F9_wKXZGDOgwcyrZd8PBBoC1SQQAvD_BwE
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/f...make/chevrolet

Which adds another $154 in cost. But wouldn't I also need to change from press in rocker studs to screw in studs?

1994Vmax

iTrader: (4)

No you can just add the springs. You need a conversion retainer because the valve stem size difference from an LS to a small block. I put a set of stock LS valve springs on some 624 smog heads and he was running the old L82 Corvette cam which is around .460" lift. Never did screw in studs on it either.

All these guys just seem to have it in their head you are running some big cam that needs screw in studs for fear of pulling them out.... You do not need LS6 anything springs. Those are good for over 1/2" of lift ( like .560) and way stiffer for nothing. It just more strain on the rest of the valve train for an engine that is going to fall on it's face at 4500 rpm. I think you are takingadvice from 20 year olds who play with LS's lol... not anyone that ever did anything with a small block. If you really want a beehive spring the stock LS truck springs are more than you ever need.. even with 1.6 rockers.

I mean if you want to do screw in studs as you keep bringing it up... just do it and be done with it. Your cam is tiny and doesn't need performance springs even with the 1.6 rocker. Yes if you want beehive springs you need a conversion retainer which also allows you more valve lift before you hit the stock Vortec guide... but that's for 0.500" lift cams and not what you are running.

Bgbldodge

That's what I figured and why I asked. Just seemed like to much for what is essentially a stock cam but admittedly this is a weak area for me and that's why I wanted a second opinion. Thanks.

Bgbldodge

Heads are finally done at the machine shop and I'm glad I took them in. They were warped pretty good. One head needed 12 thousandths to straighten out. Valve guides were completely shot so those had to be done also. But thankfully no cracks and they cleaned up well. Now I just gotta buy rockers and an intake and I'll be ready to rock and roll.

arthursc2

iTrader: (5)

Nice! .012 ain't too bad. I'd be worried at .04+, but .012.... depending on how desperate I am to finish that bish might get slapped right back on 😂

how much power are you expecting to pickup? 30-40?

Bgbldodge

I'm hoping so. I'm also doing long tube headers and a true dual exhaust at the same time and going from a factory rocker to a 1.6 roller rocker. The bump in compression should be nice as well.

ZO6Ted

Not that it matters now but I always adjusted lifters while running. A half turn was fine but 1/4 was even better imo. Always worked great! God I miss the days of simplicity...

Bgbldodge

I'm going to be reading up and watching some videos on doing that. Never done it that way before but sounds intriguing.