Question on checking valve lift 360 motor.

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Brett, Jul 29, 2003.

  1. Brett

    Brett Guest

    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
     
    Brett, Jul 29, 2003
    #1
  2. Brett

    Neil Nelson Guest

    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).
     
    Neil Nelson, Jul 29, 2003
    #2
  3. Brett

    Brett Guest

    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
     
    Brett, Jul 30, 2003
    #3
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