C-1 '61 solid lifter adjustment

[Mike B.]

I am new to solid lifters. Duntov cam 270 hp w/2x4's. Would like to adjust them cold. Well I have been all over the threads and found 2 different starting points to adjust solid lifters cold. First post reads ( I wont mention names) #1 cylinder at TDC to adjust #1 intake and #8 exhaust then at 90 degrees #8 intake and #4 exhaust and so on. the next post I read says start at # 1 at TDC and adjust #2 intake and #8 exhaust then at 90 degrees #1 intake and #4 exhaust. I can do it BUT I want to start at correct position. HELP!!!!!! Thanks, Mike 53700

[Clem Z.]

Re: C-1 '61 solid lifter adjustment

this is what i what i use.

[Terry D.]

Re: C-1 '61 solid lifter adjustment

Mike
Use the one by John Hickley and Duke Williams
Terry

[Joe R.]

Re: C-1 '61 solid lifter adjustment

Terry,

Here's the article:

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...n/SBvlvadj.pdf

Joe

[Mike B.]

Re: C-1 '61 solid lifter adjustment

Thanks but sometimes I am slow. What I do not understand is if you start with setting #1 at TDC why on this post are you starting with the #2 intake????? The other posts I have found address the #1 and #8 when first starting to adjust from TDC. That is why I have started this thread. I freely admit that I do not know where all the valves are when #1 is at TDC. Please explain to this slow person. Thanks, Mike

[Duke W.]

Re: C-1 '61 solid lifter adjustment

You have the option to use two different indexing methods with the Duntov cam. With the 30-30 cam you have to adjust the inlets after TDC and the exhausts before TDC of the compression stroke, so it's most convenient to adjust them at 90 degrees after and 90 degrees before, respectively. That way you can properly set all 16 valves at 8 easy to locate crankshaft positions.

Why? Because, including the clearance ramps the 30-30 lobe is about 540 (crankshaft) degrees long, and both the inlet and exhaust are still on the clearance ramp at TDC of the compression stroke. Proper lash is only achieved if the lifter is on the cam's base circle when you do the adjustment.

The Duntov is only 450 degrees from the beginning of the opening clearance ramp to the end of the closing clearance ramp, so both the inlet and exhaust can be adjusted at TDC of the compression stroke of THAT cylinder because both lifters are on the base circle.

Read the referenced article CAREFULLY, and ignore all the chatter in the threads.

Duke

[Clem Z.]

Re: C-1 '61 solid lifter adjustment

what about the engines that don't have the damper degreed off every 90 degrees ???

[Duke W.]

Re: C-1 '61 solid lifter adjustment

You can make temporary or permanent marks as follows:

Measure the damper circumference with a cloth tape, and use a tire crayon or felt pen to mark the damper at quarter intervals.

You can also cut a piece of appropriate length properly marked masking tape and temporarily install it on the damper.

You only have to get the 90, 180, and 270 marks within about 10 degrees to ensure the lifters for the specified valves are on the base circle.

Duke

[Ken A.]

Re: C-1 '61 solid lifter adjustment

this is what i what i use.

This is hands down the quickest and best way to set clearances. With a bump starter made from a pushbutton, you can be done in less than 10 minutes. The key is to have a "feel" for the feeler gauge pull, unless you have a P & G valve gapper.

[Duke W.]

Re: C-1 '61 solid lifter adjustment

Or you can mark the balancer, use a breaker bar on the balancer center bolt to move the crankshaft or put it in top gear and just bump the car to the next 90 degree position. It's precision method to ensure the lifter is on the base circle. No guesswork is involved. I've been timed doing the job is less than ten minutes using a breaker bar on the balancer center bolt to move the engine.

Duke

[Stuart F.]

Re: C-1 '61 solid lifter adjustment

You can also get a degree marking tape (which I did) from such places as Jegs that has an adhesive backing making it at least semi-permanent. I did mine from under the car which got me as close as possible to the balancer. Cleaning it before application is essential.

Stu Fox

[Jerry G.]

Re: C-1 '61 solid lifter adjustment

On the race car i adjust the exhaust when the intake starts to close and i adjust the intake when the exhaust starts to open. Pretty simple and idiot proof(me)

[Ken A.]

Re: C-1 '61 solid lifter adjustment

What if there's no bolt?

[Jerry G.]

Re: C-1 '61 solid lifter adjustment

Put one in. Good idea anyway.

[Ken A.]

Re: C-1 '61 solid lifter adjustment

Easier said than done, especially when the crank is not tapped.