I dont really post much any more, but I figured I would share some progress on my 81 vette. I posted up about the car right after I got her. 3 of the rockers were tightened down WAY too tight be either the previous owner, or a mechanic who knows nothing, so after months of scrimping and saving I came up with some extra cash to put under the hood. I ordered everything fron summit. Lunati Voodoo cam and lifter kit, Summit pushrods, Summit roller rockers, and new gaskets. Also on the way, (shipped out but not received yet) is a set of long tube headers, and purple hornies.
Let me know what you think. I am also waiting on another hundred dollars for a new intake manifold
use felpro gaskets, those ones suck.
-Borsty
The intake manifold gasket is only temporary....awaiting a new intake manifold....then i will actually spend on gaskets
I also picked up an edelbrock performer eps intake manifold today.
Does any one know what I am supposed to adjust my rocker arms to? It doesnt say what the stock spec is in my haynes manual, and it doesnt say anything about adjusting the new rockers iin anything that i got with the roller rockers or cam?
What year/motor size i'll look on mitchell ondmenad.
its a 1981 corvette with a 5.7 350. Thanks for the help!
Sorry, I have access to ondemand5.com but it doesn't have any info on the corvett. If I remember right though the way you are suppose to do it is with the valve cover off start the engine (yes it will make a mess a bit so do one at a time) you tighten the rocker arms slowly until it stops tapping. Sounds ghetto but I had 2 VERY good mechanics tell me this at my shop. Both have over 35 years of expierience.
I've heard of some doing the same thing but taking old valve covers and drilling holes in them where the rock arm bolts are.
Yeah tuning the valves while it is running is how I did a valve job the only time i have ever done one. What I have been looking for is like a torque spec or something to turn the bolts to before the initial fire up. That way I know 100% that they are at least close, then I can tune them perfectly. Start up will be tomorrow...im @#$% giddy!
And Rabbit thanks for your help!
Alright, I gotcha. Look at thirdgen.org. The camaro engine is pretty much the same thing. Atleast that would give you a good number like you're wanting so when you start it up your not hitting your valves heh. Its something to start with and better then nothing.
Thanks a lot for your help. she should now be up and running in a day or 2. I can't wait.
Mmmmm performance parts.
I wrote this post a long time ago, a real long time ago, back in 94.
Ya seem like a nice guy so Ill let ya in on my secret... lol. Actually I learned this years ago and have done it EVERY time Ive built a small block and its never failed. since you have the timing cover off anyway it will be a snap.
tighten each of these rockers till the pushrod stops moving up and down, then turn 1/4 turn extra.....
with timing gears dot to dot..
Exhaust rockers 2, 5, 6, 7
Intake rockers 3, 4, 6, 8
turn the motor over 180 degrees, then do the same to .....
Exhaust rockers 1, 3, 4, 8
Intake rockers 1, 2, 5, 7
then dont move it.. you actually want to stab the dist. right here pointing towards #1 on the cap anyway. should fire up and be pretty close to perfect.
good luck....
I plan on living forever... so far so good
Yeah I had to send the purple hornies back....wouldnt mount up and fit right, so I am going with a 2.5 inch dual exhaust into flowmasters. Should sound decent. I love the drone of flowmasters.
And thanks for the help david. I still havent gotten the rockers tuned...or the radiator back in. Too busy with work. Thanks again!
