improper torque procedures on rockers

[malloynx#2]

when i did my cam install i just tight each rocker down to the proper specs. i didn't turn the engine over or nothing.. i pretty much comppreesed all the springs too when i torque them down... my car seems to run ok, but i'm am still killing my performance..i think my car shoud puller harder in the upper rpms with all the mods i have.. let me know

[Magnus]

yea, your lifter preload is probably off

If the valve spring compresses as you tighten down the rocker, it increases your torque spec prematurely.

the lifter must be on the BASE circle (valve is closeD) when you torque them down to spec. If the lifter is on the lobe, and the valve is open... your spec will be off.

[malloynx#2]

thanks for the tip keith... maybe that's why i can only muster a 14.5@91mph, with my new cam... yu think if i redo my rocker, my acr will run better

[Magnus]

hard to say..

is your valvetrain loud? I'd redo your rockers asap before anything breaks.

[malloynx#2]

ummm valvetrain is not too loud.... but there is some noise there.. i'm going to be ordering new bolts soon and i'm going to redo them next weekend..

[Magnus]

If the bolts you have in there now are new I'd say its safe to reuse them another time.

[malloynx#2]

yea the botls are brand new, can you give me a run down on the PROPER wat to do this.. also you think i can do this in under 4 hours..

[Magnus]

you can do it in under 4 hours.

Driver Side:
Remove ICM w/coil packs attached.. 2 1/2" nuts and 7mm bolt in back of unit.. take that out of the way..
Remove teh valve cover..
Back all the rocker arm bolts off so the rockers a little loose.

Tighten all 6 down to 12ft/lbs (i believe the spec is 12 ft/lbs)

If you notice any springs compressed a little, crank the engine until that spring is not compressed anymore.. and tightne it down to 12 ft/lbs.. so this for all of the springs that you see compressed..

Then go through again, 12 ft/lbs for all 6..

Turn the engine a full turn, and tighten them all down again.. turn it another full turn and do it again. <-- that way you get them all... chance of error is greatly reduced.. and torque them down is very quick.

NOW add your +90 degrees and then reassemble.

Pass side:
Remove belt
Remove alternator
Remove valve cover

same procedure as above.


As you crank the engine over by hand.. you will notice that the valve opens, then closes.. and there is a long duration before the valve opens again... during that long duration is when you want to torque them down to the foot lb spec... adding the +90 can be done at any time really.