Valve Shim Starting Point

[SFerinTEXAS]

I have an engine I robbed the shims out of some years ago and want to try to use. Thinking of the best way for a starting guess on which shims to try.

Thinking off hand maybe a straight edge laid in the cam journals And try a slide mic to measure to the bucket tops and subtract the lift specs.

Anyone know a better way?

[DAVINCI]

You could just pop eight shims in, measure, then change.

Less math.

[SFerinTEXAS]

True and that may be the best way but was wanting to try to start with a measurable gap and not with some too thick if poss.

[DAVINCI]

I suppose your way would work IF the cam journal is the same baseline as the base of the cam lobe, not sure if it is. I know it's not on automobile cams.

[natemoen]

I would agree with davinci. There really isn't a reliable way to do it without shims.

[mack]

Seems to me

that both my motors had more 270's than anything else. I'd get four of those and check the clearance off those for both intact & Exhaust.