SBF Valve Lash???

[penbroke]

Need the valve lash spec for my '67 289 HiPo small block Ford. It is the 306 hp VIN K motor with solid lifters. Still has the original stock cam and valve train.

I've been looking for a bit and found everything from .000" to .125". :banghead:

I suspect the truth lies somewhere in between...


Thanks,
Frank

[Rootsy]

damn where is my manual...

ok first off just some historical stuff... stock ford Hi-po with manifolds was 271 hp the shelby hipo that came in the GT350 with the tri-y headers was 306...

the lash on that camshaft is 0.022 inches in and out HOT...

[penbroke]

Thanks Rootsy.

Are the two motors the same except for the exhaust manifolds/headers? Or did Mr. Shelby have some other tricks?

Frank

[Rootsy]

it has been a few years since i;ve been into the whole sbf thing

i believe the shelby hipo used a holley on their hipo vs an autolite on the ford version

[mphatc]

Go with the .022" as james suggested, and see how it runs. Valve clearances are always happy when they are loose, and can be adjusted to create the state of tune that you would like!

Mario

a happy valve is a loose valve ;-)

[BUIZILLA]

If it has an unstable idle at .022/.022, open it up to .028/.030 and see what happens.... should smooth things out a tad, and help the off idle tip-in response...

JH :boat:

[rayjay]

You can also try running the exhaust just a tad tighter than the intakes, but not too tight. Early cams do not like real tight lash, they had a lot to learn about ramp rates back then. I seem to remember running .021 - .023 I and .019 - .021 E on my "K" code cam. But double check as this was over 30 years ago.

Also, does your valve lash go out of adjustment very quickly? Posi-locks cured my problem. I checked rocker angle, push rods, and valve tips; put in new studs; pinned studs; changed rockers, cam, push rods, and adjusters, etc.. Finally a set of posi-locks cured the problem. I used a lot of revs, more than most other street guys, but then you probably do also in your boat.

rayjay

[penbroke]

Thanks guys. The motor runs great. :biggrin: Since it hasn't been touched for 29 years or so I thought it might be time to check it. I'm used to hydraulic lifters so I'm not sure how much clackety clack is normal.

Frank

[turbo2256]

From the Ford spec's for production application 289 271 HP shows .020 hot. I have all the old Ford engine spec's and interchange from the old Off Highway Parts an original copy I night add.

[penbroke]

I have all the old Ford engine spec's and interchange from the old Off Highway Parts an original copy I night add.
Thanks, Cool! I don't expect you'd care to part with that would ya? ;)

Frank