1. I went through the process of setting the valve lash, but I notced that ones I've already tightened have some free play when they're not @ TDC. Is this normal?

2. I'm re-running my plug wires on the passenger side, is there any way to make Taylor wires fit in the routing channels??

3. I have a feeling that I may have to tweak the valve lash, is there any problem if I start the motor up with the valve covers off?

that's all I can think of for now...I'm sure there will be more.

 

You can do that, but it will make a mess!

 

A ;ittle play sisde to side is ok but up and down i would check them again. The wires I am not sure about. The valve covers off will be fine I adjusted the valves on my car with the covers off and no problems. You might get a little oil on your headers... be carefull You can put a rag between the springs and the side of the head to keep this from happening.

 

as for the wires...i went with 9mm holley wires, and i had problems with them fitting into the looms. I had to take the fastener off the loom to make it work

 

i'm pretty sure like 95% that the first ones you do will leak down as you turn the engine over to adjust the other valves so you will get some freeplay in the ones you did earlier while the later ones will seem to be better. as for doing them with the vavle covers off making a mess ahh, if they're too loose yeah it can shoot oil out its really not as bad as you'll expect it to be. what i usually do is take a valve cover thats junk and cut a slot into it and adjust them through the old valve cover keeps it a bit cleaner. there should be no slack going up and down in the hole right after you have adjusted them though.... one things for sure you'll know when you start it if you got it right or not.

 

If your talking about adjusting your rocker arms....you can do it with the vavle covers off. It will make a mess, just top off your oil.

Lossen the rockers until they "tap" then tighten until the "tapping' stops and then lock them. It will throw some oil about, but not to much.

 

Slip into the kitchen and "borrow" a long sheet of alum foil for each side of the engine. Use the foil to keep the oil from easily spilling over the lip on the bottom part of the uncovered head and making a mess. I molded the foil to hang onto the edge of the head and keep the oil from running everywhere. Don't let the foil touch the headers or wiring on the alt. Some oil will get by but it will be much less with this simple trick. Rev away and get those valves adjusted.

 

after this set your pre-load of 3/4 turn then set your locks if you don't do this they will be to loose.