Just got all new (Comp Pro Mag 1.6's) rockers and LT4 valvesprings installed last night. That's it for now. Here's the way I did the install:

#1 piston at TDC (compression stroke), arrow on balancer at 12 o'clock, removed old valvetrain, installed new stuff, cranked nuts down on intake and exhaust valves 180 degrees (1/2 turn) from "0" lash, tightened down allen heads inside rocker nuts. Turn crank 90 degrees (3 o'clock position), #8 cylinder, etc.... 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 Oh yeah, and PLENTY of moly grease n' oil used on everything.

Am I OK so far? Just want to make sure before I crank it over since this is my first time messing with V8 valvetrain.

Now for the valve covers. What is the best way to remove the support frames inside them? I'm not sure if I can get my Dremel all the way in there. Do I leave the long shims in there that the bolts go through? Anyone got some good pics of the finished product?

 

Sounds like method 2 . You should be ok as long as you began correctly.

 

I checked your site earlier today. Yep, looks like I used Method #2.

So how 'bout them valve cover support frames?

 

I'd leave the long portion where the bolt slides through and just cut off the "arms" on the one side that are in the way. On both sides I was able to leave the center portion and one side of the arms that support it.

My buddy cut his all the way off, tube, arms, and all, and had leaks.. I have no leaks to this day

 

So I'm assuming that you left the OUTBOARD side of the frames intact, and removed the inboard side that would normally sit in between the rockers. Right?

 

Some random pics off the 'net:

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I just straightened that part with some vice grips... goes on fine and doesn't rub.

 

Here are my before and after pics, I just chopped the part out, one side.

 

I just want to add that I learned the only reliable way to set the poly locks in the rocker nuts so they wont come loose is to set the allen head at least 1/8th-1/4 of a turn before you are going to stop. In other words, if you were going to lash to 1/2 past zero, turn most of the way to 1/2, set the poly lock, and finish the half turn. This way they stay tight.

 

Yeah, I thought about that; removing the stamped lip off there with my Dremel, but I went ahead and removed the ENTIRE inboard half. Too late now. LOL

Thanks for the help guys. I hope it works out. I test fitted the valve cover last night and it fits fine now. I'll be finishing up the job tonight. All that's left is the valve covers, AIR fittings, alternator, and serpentine.