Just to make sure I understand correctly . . . . at Speed Inc. there "was" a problem with the roller rocker wheel sitting flat on the valve tip and TFS could not find the problem?

I am sure Speed Inc. tried swapping rockers, studs, etc, so I am not sure how there is a problem one place and not the other.

Let us know what they look like when they get back. It seems like just installing a rocker on the studs will show the answer and no need to mock up the heads on an engine unless they pass this test.

Lloyd

 

Wow ... Crazy this hasnt been fixed yet ... Definatly DONT run them if they are still out ...

 

First I want to address this. "TFS has reviewed this particular problem so as to avoid any problems to the engine builder, the owner and especially any bad feedback such as this to the TFS product line. TFS has determined that there is not a problem with these heads from a machining standpoint. TFS does not assume any responsibility for any of the finish machine work I.E. valve job, porting, component choices, or assembly done by any other companies or individuals.

We feel as there is nothing in these heads that will negatively effect the longevity of their use."

The part about this post being bad feedback towards TFS is simply untrue. This post was simply to help myself and Speed INC find a possible solution to a problem we are having. Most of the guys that post in this section have a very good amount of knowledge regarding engine assembly/issues and will remain a first choice of consult for any issue that I will have in the future. Every bit of advice is of value both to me and to others in the Fbody circle. There was nothing on here bashing TFS or its products. I would rather switch brands all together then waste time bashing a product and then run it on my setup. I have seen this issue with my own eyes and it was shown to me by a VERY reputable shop. We still do not know what the issue is but it is foolish for me to ignore it. I will not run this combo until the problem is resolved or Speed INC feels comfortable with the setup.
To answer other questions: 3 different sets of rockers were used. All brand new. First were Promags, second were Crowers and finally they tried Crane(TFS) rockers. All 3 with the same issue.
I did not purchase my heads through my porter(Lloyd Elliot) I purchased them instead directly from summit racing(TFS).
To answer Lloyds question yes the heads at Speed INC have an issue with the roller tip not sitting flat on the valve stem, the rocker is cocked on an angle with only part of the roller tip touching at any given time.
I simply do not know what to do anymore. I do not want to offend TFS or anybody but I will not run a poor setup. Something about ruining a 6k block, 2k heads and about 10k in all the supporting mods just doesn't seem like fun.

 

You would think that the problem would or would not be there at Speed inc and TFS> it is hard to undersatand how one place sees the problem and one doesn't.

I agree with Randy on most of his post.

I would NOT run them if the problem is there but If the problem is still there after they return, I would not have a problem with telling people about the experience that he had with TFS heads.

I do not have a problem with TFS or Summit but I believe my own eyes better someone elses word. Hopefully everything is correct when they get back but it sounds like there was nothing done to the heads since they did not duplicate the problem.

It would be worth having TFS send the studs and rockers they used in the mock up along with the heads since thes apparently do sit flat and just purchase them if they allow everything to work. Just have them send the studs and rockers that they used and place the rockers on the studs and look at how the rocker sits on the valve. If it sits flat and then doesn't after the heads are installed than TFS has done thier job and the problem is not with the machining of the heads. If it doesn't sit flat on the valve tip than there is something still up with the heads.

Lloyd

 

Lloyd TFS already did send a set of studs and rockers that Speed INC tried with no success. Basically I feel like the monkey in the middle. Speed INC is having a problem and Jim(INTMID8) is the one who is assembling the combo and pointed it out. He said he had never seen a issue like this. TFS denies any problem with the heads yet they also agree the block could not be causing the issue. So here I am stuck with no idea what to do anymore.
Lloyd maybe the heads could make there way back to you for a outside inspection if need be. To me the best thing would be to have speed inc try the heads on another lt1 block, or another set of heads on my block. Anyone near Speed INC got one laying around.
Thanks,
Randy

 

Another block isn't going to show anything! It is not a block issue.

 

Ya know, Ive been watching this thread since day one, and everything I thaught of was mentioned and ruled out. I wouldnt run these heads like that unless I had it in writing at this point that TFS will cover any and all incurred damage (which wont happen).

Its great you dont beleive that its not a block issue like most people here. I think that people suggesting trying another set of heads or a block, beleive thats its just time to try everything, even if it doesnt completely make sense. I would, just to rule ANY question.

 

At this point I only want to rule out everything but the heads. According to TFS the issue is not with the heads or block. This leaves the valve tips not being flat or the rocker studs being bent. Since a few sets of studs were tried and all were brand new I don't think that is the issue. Only option left that I can think of is somewhere in the valves.
Thank you for your help.

 

Yes exactly, with my basic logic all engineering aside if you have an issue on 1block but not on another then MAYBE it is with the block...I don't know why or how but then again I am not a engine builder. I am just using very basic logic.

 

It doesnt hurt to bolt them down on another block. Im sure Speed Inc. has another LT1 around somewhere.

 

I dont know what I'm talking about I am a machinist and have been for 30 years.IT IS NOT A BLOCK ISSUE

 

Yeah - I've told them that several times through the thread

 

Ok well then its not the block and according to TFS its not the heads or valve guides. What is it?

 

Hey Relax my friend...No one said you didn't know what you were talking about. Just saying it worked at TFS on their block...did not work at Speed INC on my block. Only variables are #1 block, #2 the people doing the assembly. I highly doubt Speed INC does not know what they are doing.

 

Guess what people, you aint the only machinists reading this thread!

Im very aware that it is a slim to NONE chance that it is the block, as is everybody else, but assuming that the heads spec out within tolerence (and I still think thats where the problem is), what else is there to try? Its an easy thing to try and just rule out.