How do you check piston to valve clearance on a given setup? I want to try and run a thinner head gasket (impala .029" compressed or Mr Gasket #5716 .026" compressed) but want to check clearance before hand. Also, is there any feedback on running the Mr. Gasket compared to the Impala one?

Brandon

 

I suppose you could always use a dial indicator to check it.

 

Well im no mechanic so would you mind giving some more details about how to go about doing this? Im sure i can get ahold of a dial indicator though.

Brandon

 

What cam are you using? In stock form the LT1 is a non-interference motor. This means the valve can be at full lift and the piston at TDC and still not hit. If you are using a mild cam such as the Hot Cam or 305, you will never have problems using the thinner gaskets.

 

The easiest way is to use modeling clay. I know it isn't the most accurate method, but it will get the job done.

 

With all the posts I have seen of valvetrain damage after a timing chain break, I am not so sure the LT1 is a non-interference engine (I don't know if they were all stock cammed).

A quick trip to Google gave this method that does not need the head removed and only uses a feeler gauge.

You can always Google for more.

 

Thanks guys, ill check it out and see what i come up with.

Brandon

 

That's how I've done it

 

It's a little hard to use the clay method on an engine that is assembled (and not wanting to disassemble).