Hey, I reciently bought a '67 SS w/ a '68 engine out of a 'mid-sized passanger car.' The engine was already rebuilt when i got it. Thats part of the problem. I dont know what cam i have, or anything about the engine besides its a 327 bored out .030 and its a complete roller engine. The only thing i can get from the rockers are they are made in USA and are MAROSO 1:1.5 ratio. Im guessing the car puts out about 350-375hp.

I need to set my valve lash, but dont know what to set it to. Any information would be helpful. Also, if you cant tell from the information provived, what do u think a safe number would be...I was thinking about .012in!


THX!!!

 

If it's a solid cam, do yourself a favor and buy a book. It's good to have around when you are doing the work.

If it's hydraulic, remove one valve cover at a time, start the engine and loosen each adjusting nut in turn; until it clatters noticably louder. Then turn it back down until the clattering drops off noticably. At that point, tighten an additional 1/4 turn. If you go 1/8 turn, you will shift the powerband down a couple of hundred rpm. If you go 3/8 turn you will shift it up by about the same amount. 1/4 is the best overall set point.

Finish one side and repeat on the other.

Also, the engine should already be up to operating temperature when you start.

And, you probably should have a can of engine cleaner and a garden hose sitting around for when you finish.

 

.024-.026 hot would be a good starting point for a mystery solid camshaft. Add in an extra .002 if you run the valves cold.

 

Do you have hydraulic lifters?

With those types of lifters you dont need to lash them as with a standard solid cam.

Oh yea, if you do decide to take "lame's" advice... get a few rags handy... you'll understand why when it happens

 

I think I figured out howt o tell what lift i have on my cam. I think it would work if i measured the ware on my push rods where the guide is under my rocker. Im pretty sure that would give me a pretty good idea of what my intake and exhaust are...im not sure how that would help my valve lash settings, but its probobly a good idea to know how bug (or small) my cam is.

 

For a very rough idea it should work. Realize that you have to take that measurement and multiply it by the rocker arm ratio (1.5 if it's stock ratio).

Jody