I will be running a 280 deg//465" cam with a head that's been milled .100" with stock piston height. How do you check valve to piston clearance, and what is the minimum allowable distance?
I have heard of people putting a lump of play-dough on the piston (with the head on) and rotating the crank around until the piston comes to the top and the valves open all the way and then measuring the indention in the play-dough.
Thanks for all the input so far and what is to come-you guys are great!

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Stephan Nelle

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I'd say do that anyway. It's a darn sure way of seeing just how much clearance you do have.

Roger

Measure it as discribed, .060 is as close as you want to see it.
.100 is better.
Make sure you already have the cam degreed, the correct head gasket thickness and the valve lash set before you do the check.
DD

I have "cheated", and degreed the cam, install the head with no gasket, set the lash at zero, turn the motor over, and if nothing hits, run it. Of course I did have some valve marks on the top of the pistons, after pulling the engine down to freshen it up.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

Thats when you have it just right Charlie.


Jess

Was that process done with a steel shim (.020) or a composit (.045) head gasket? On a 170 or a 225?
DD

It was a steel shim 170. I am not recommending this procedure. Just stating, that I have gotten away with it. I did have interference, while running, but just barely, Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you don't.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

It sure sounds like you fornd where the "edge" is on that combo...
(It is alway nice to know where the edge is)
DD