302 Valve adjustment

[bcmiller]

Thanks everyone for the help. I readjusted the valves over the weekend and it now runs and sounds great. For some reason number 1 and number 4 valves were a little loose. I originally used the EOIC method when the engine was on the engine stand. This time I used the 90 degree method which I think is the best method to make sure the cam is on its base circle.

I chased this car for about 30 years which my ex father in law bought new at Harry Mann Chevrolet in Los Angeles (68 Z28 RS). Its been sitting for about 25 years and has 67000 original miles, original paint and interior, all #s matching and extremely well documented. He told me he used to adjust the valves with the engine running. He would use cardboard to deflect the oil to keep from making a mess.

Nice car!

Hot and running is how I was taught to adjust valve lash.  

[X33RS]

Thanks everyone for the help. I readjusted the valves over the weekend and it now runs and sounds great. For some reason number 1 and number 4 valves were a little loose. I originally used the EOIC method when the engine was on the engine stand. This time I used the 90 degree method which I think is the best method to make sure the cam is on its base circle.

Just as some of us were trying to explain, that was just the product of a few lobes not being exactly on the base circle and why the EOIC method isn't always accurate.   With the lobe designs of these cams, new and old, it's just best to make sure you're on base circle for lash settings.  Glad to hear it's running fine.  Great looking Z.

[68 z28 RS]

You were right X33RS, I learned a lesson from this. 

[KurtS]

btw, it should be a chrome shifter ball since the pattern is already on the console.

[68 z28 RS]

Copy that KurtS, I already corrected that. It should also be a Muncie shifter, not a Hurst.

[maroman]

I'd leave the shifter.

[Z10Mike]

"I'd leave the shifter."
I'll second that.  I had a car in high school with an original Muncie shifter.  It was notorious for hanging up between gears when pushing the car hard.  A new competition plus from the local Ramchargers speed shop cured the problem. 

[68 z28 RS]

I agree Z10Mike,
I was considering modifying the stock Muncie shifter handle to work on the Hurst shifter so it looks original.

[Kelley W King]

I think they make a Muncie handle to bolt on the hurst. I have one on my 64 vette.

[68 z28 RS]

I will have to look into that Kelly.

[maroman]

I think I'm liking that car. Thanks for showing us.

[68 z28 RS]

Thanks maroman

[firstgenaddict]

If I am not mistaken Duke and John have an updated lash spec.

[68 z28 RS]

Thanks firstgenaddict, I will have to look that up. Do you know what they changed it to?

[BULLITT65]

Very nice 68Z. Maybe we can convince you to submit the history of the car, and your story to Bryon.
(I would love to read more about it, and see more pics)