Question on checking valve lift 360 motor.

I have just purchased a Mopar Performance 360ci short block assembly and
I am putting in a different cam with less lift. To be sure that I have
good clearance between the spring reatainers and the valve seal I did
the usual check using the #1 cylinder at TDC and turning engine by hand
measured the lift. The problem is that the new lifters bleed down when I
do this and they only lift half as much (about .200) as the .450 they
are supposed to be. How can I check the lift clearance more accurately
without risk of damage to the valve train?

Brett

 

If you're installing a cam with less lift, I'm puzzled over
why you think the seal/retainer clearance needs to be
checked...

Any who...

You can temporarily install a solid lifter in place of the
hydraulic one you're checking at, your local NAPA store
should be able to get you one solid lifter to fit a 1966
Chrysler 273 for just a couple of bucks. (solids are cheap)

An alternate method would be to substitute a weaker spring
in place of the valve spring, then you can measure valve
travel until the retainer contacts the seal with a dial
indicator (make sure the piston is down the bore somewhat
and operate the valve by hand while taking the measurement).

 

I am using stock heads on the MP short block. The lift on the old engine
which heads I am reusing was .410 the MP engine's camshaft is .509
which I'm almost positive will hit so I now have a .450 lift cam
instead. I just want to be sure it won't mash the seals because it looks
very close when I did a rough check with a small ruler.
If anyone is interested I am selling the .509 lift/292 duration Mopar
Performance cam which is brand new as well as a M.P timing chain and
chrome M.P. timing cover. Photos here:
http://fbody.kicks-ass.net:8000/enginepartsfs.html

Thanks for the info I will give it a shot.

Brett