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Lifter preload question

  • Thread starter Thread starter jtl
  • Start date Start date May 22, 2011
J

jtl

New Member
Apr 10, 2011
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May 22, 2011
#1
  • May 22, 2011
  • #1
I just installed a Trick Flow Stage 1 cam and GT40p's with the stock steel rocker arms in my '87. Honestly, I got too hasty in reassembly to check all lifter preloads. I checked about 5 or 6 and got about 1/2 turn preload on them which seemed good so I called it a day and bolted all the other rockers back down. I've been driving the car for about a week now and everything seems to be working fine but I do hear a faint ticking from the engine during the low to mid rpm range. It's pretty subtle so I don't think it's serious but I thought I should pull the valve covers and recheck the preload on each valve as I suspect a few may not have enough. My question is this: If I get a couple of rockers that seem to have very little preload, can I shave a few thousandths off the base of the rocker pivot to bring it closer to the push rod instead of buying longer push rods? It seems like that would work in theory but I don't know if that would mess with the rocker geometry. I figure they all must be very close since I'm using factory Ford GT40p heads and stock rocker arms from my E7's. Any experiences or advice would be appreciated! Thanks.
 

Rick 91GT

Mustang Master
Nov 29, 1999
9,692
95
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PA
May 23, 2011
#2
  • May 23, 2011
  • #2
You can but youll need to remove the head to machine the pedestal. Ive had factory heads not take any shims after they have milled.
 
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