Ford V8 Discussion Discussion relating to getting the most out of your Ford-based V8 Miata's engine

302 HO initial valve adjustment

Old 09-26-2014, 10:02 AM
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Default 302 HO initial valve adjustment

I set off to install my new AFR heads in my monster utilizing internet knowledge recently attained. Having some mechanical knowledge and skills, I have never messed with cams, valves, and lifters before.

I did a lot of reading and youtube video watching about how to correctly adjust lash and set rocker arms during instalation. My set up is an E303 cam with hyd roller rockers and hyd lifters. I found the following video that made it really esay to understand and follow. This is what I did to set up my motor and it seems to run strong.


I like the way he did the intake and exhaust in firing order at the same time. Some instructions said to go TDC and do a few intake and a few exhaust valves and then turn 180 and do the others. I also chose to do 1.25 turns on the nut after zero lash. This was between his suggested 1 turn and the 1.5 turns on other sites.

What are your thoughts? I did this adjustment within 24 hours of the engine running, so the lifter should have still been "pumpped up" to some degree.
Old 07-24-2020, 02:29 AM
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Hi,

The video is good. I personally use the firing order as well to set valve lash. Its the easiest way to set each cylinder, with both valves adjusted at the same time. However 1.5 turn of preload post zero lash is high. I use 2/3 to 3/4 turn, as too much preload can unseat the valve.

You will never need more than 1 turn past zero lash at max.

cheers
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