I am running Comp OEM lifters, Comp 918 beehive springs with Comp 1.6 Pro Mags. How much preload should I be using past zero lash? Thanks a lot. -Matt

 

Try 1/8th turn.

-Mindgame

 

when those were on my car, I was told to spin the push rod until there was a little drag on it. I did go just a tad tighter, since that advise was given for slightly more play and possible more power. No matter what, if you ask 10 people this question, you will most likely get at least 5 different answers on what is the right way of doing it!

 

I have this setup and im running 1/16th turn. I ran the 1/8th, which seemed to be ok, but something happened and it started making funky "popping" noises out the exhaust. I re did them with 1/16th turn, and everything seems good..

 

shouldn't he go with 1/2 turn to 3/4 since he has "oem" style lifters? I thought 1/8 was for Comp R's?

 

no, even with the OEM, which I am running. Usually with the Comp R's they run 1/16th past, but according to LE, he said you want to run them with the least amount of preload, but keeping them from being noisey.

 

oic, thanks Deenasty . I have mine at 1/2 turn think I should try less. Also would this apply to both SA and NSA rockers?

 

that im not too sure of, mine are NSA

 

Anybody knows what should be the preload with MOREL lifters?

 

.030 pintle preload is standard for any GM stock lifter. For a 3/8 stud that is just about 1/2 a turn for a 7/16 a 1/4 turn.

 

The stock preload range should be perfectly acceptable. LE probably recommends the lesser preload because "looser is faster".

 

how do you measure 1/8th and 1/16 of a turn accurately? is there a paticur tool?

 

Your eyes.

Start at a 12 oclock position or something similiar and its easy to gauge.

 

1/4 turn on 7/16's will be enough that their quiet, but not too tight.

 

You are correct for the 3/8 stud, but the 7/16 stud requires 3/8 turn to put the preload the same as 1/2 turn with a 3/8 stud.

In summary,
If you have OEM style lifters:
With 3/8" diameter studs, 1/2 turn past zero lash
With 7/16" diameter studs, 3/8 turn past zero lash (halfway between 1/4 and 1/2 turn)

My Pro Magnums are on 7/16" studs with OEM lifters, set to 3/8 turn preload and run perfectly. Quiet, smooth, and the car picked up 2 mph in the 1/4 from the rockers alone.

Dan