TrickyTransAm

I tried contacting TSP and SDPC before they closed but no luck.
Can anybody tell me if this lifter pre load is too much for LS7 lifters?

Here's what I have:
LQ9 Base engine
LS7 Lifters (12499225)
317 Heads Milled 0.006" (just for cleanup)
7.4" TSP pushrods
TSP 224R cam
Fel-Pro head gaskets (HS26192PT-2)

What I did to check the preload:
Hand tightened the rocker arm pivot bolt until the rocker just starts to compress the lifter plunger. Then, I used a dial indicator and placed it as close to the pushrod as possible to get an accurate reading. Then, I tightened the rocker arm down to 22ft lbs, and at 0.100 it gets tight, and if I go more to the 22ft lbs, I yield 0.105".
(Just to verify my method)

I've read several threads where 0.080" is the sweet spot, some have ran over .120", but it feels like i'm bottoming out the cup when I tighten it down at 0.100".
If I wanted less pre-load, I would need to choose a 7.375" or 7.350" pushrod, correct?

Hoping to salvage the weekend to put this in, but want to do it right.
Any info appreciated.

closet red neck

iTrader: (6)

I used the 7.350's with a 224/228. Um if you want I can send you a pm and you can call me so we can talk about "my" procedure. Never had a lick of problems.

James

Hawk179

iTrader: (1)

You can go by the turn method. Go to zero lash like you did and count how many turns till you hit bottom. I usually keep em in between 3/4 of a full turn to 1 1/2 turns.

R

TrickyTransAm

Using the turn method:
1.5 turns of the pivot bolt yields 0.102" hand tight, not torqued.

Hawk179

iTrader: (1)

Your good then.

TrickyTransAm

I torqued them down and then compressed the rocker arm a bit deeper into the lifter by hand. There is a bit more travel available, probably 0.010-0.015. It isn't bottomed out, so I hope it'll work!

Hawk179

iTrader: (1)

Stop stressing out, this is very common and you will be fine.

R

smokeshow

iTrader: (16)

True.. It'll drive you insane if you let it. The lifters will compensate when they pump up, so it will be fine.

stock48

iTrader: (16)

How much more travel is left?

TrickyTransAm

With the bolt torqued to 22Ft/lbs, lifter on the base circle of the cam, I can compress the lifter plunger by hand pushing on the push rod side of the rocker arm another 0.094" according to the dial indicator.

So i've got more than I thought I had. Part of it may be the remaining oil pushed out of the lifter, since I had them soaking for a few weeks, which might have been causing the force early on.
It wasn't driving me nuts, just wanted to make sure I was around where I needed to be. I didn't want to booger up a $2000+ motor.
I appreciate all the help!