• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Ptv Clearance

  • Thread starter Thread starter Roller1991
  • Start date Start date May 2, 2016
R

Roller1991

Active User
Jun 26, 2015
29
1
3
May 2, 2016
#1
  • May 2, 2016
  • #1
So I bought the Anderson n-21 cam and I finally put it in. On their website it says "works with oem pistons" and "good for gt40 heads". So I go to do my ptv testing using the clay method. The cam is set up for 1.7 rockers, I have 1.72s which makes the lift come to .518. I know lift is not the only thing to consider when checking ptvc but just wanted to throw it out there. I used my Anderson valve springs and a stock lifter to check the clearance. The intake valve has plenty of clearance but the exhaust doesn't have but about 32 thousandths. My question is if I actually use a solid roller lifter like you're supposed to would this give me more clearance or less clearance on my exhaust valve.
 

LILCBRA

I wish I didn't have all of these balls in the air
Mod Dude
Dec 6, 2005
6,312
5,282
194
Corn County USA
May 2, 2016
#2
  • May 2, 2016
  • #2
A quote taken from this site after a google search: http://www.enginelabs.com/engine-tech/engine-blueprinting-how-to-check-piston-to-valve-clearance/

"So, how much clearance is enough? A safe rule of thumb is .080-inch for intake valves and .100-inch for exhaust, which requires a little more clearance because of the increased heat factor. Experts also suggest adding .030 to each valve if the engine is equipped with aluminum rods as they tend to stretch more than steel."

Given this info and what I feel, I'd look at cutting relief in the pistons. .032" isn't a lot of room for error in this instance....
 
R

Roller1991

Active User
Jun 26, 2015
29
1
3
May 2, 2016
#3
  • May 2, 2016
  • #3
Given that I used a hydro roller lifter how much of a different reading would I get if I used a solid roller
 

LILCBRA

I wish I didn't have all of these balls in the air
Mod Dude
Dec 6, 2005
6,312
5,282
194
Corn County USA
May 3, 2016
#4
  • May 3, 2016
  • #4
How much did the lifter compress? You'd be better off testing PTV clearance with a solid lifter to eliminate that variable. Here is a Summit video about checking PTV clearance. If you skip to about 3:50, he explains about checking clearance with a solid lifter. But if this is your first rodeo rebuilding an engine, it might not be a bad idea to watch the entire thing. The only thing I have to offer that he doesn't mention is I'd spray a light film of oil (WD-40) on both the piston and the chamber to help the clay peel nicely when removing the head.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y66lvdHbm60

And to answer your original question, if the hydraulic lifter compressed AT ALL during your test (which if you used actual valve springs vs. a light spring to only hold things together - it probably did), the solid lifter will give you LESS clearance.
 
Last edited: May 3, 2016
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
Engine Pushrod Length Question
  • germain101
  • Sep 22, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
496
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Sep 25, 2025
Noobz347
6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
667
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Feb 28, 2026
Noobz347
Engine Finishing up 331 build
  • RedFury5.0
  • Mar 21, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
9
Views
554
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 20, 2025
RedFury5.0
D
Engine Checking valve events with degree wheel.
  • dragstart
  • Jun 1, 2024
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
0
Views
410
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 1, 2024
dragstart
D
MSPNP2 Closed Loop Initial Values
  • Gibson17
  • Mar 14, 2025
  • Digital Self-tuning Forum
Replies
3
Views
314
Digital Self-tuning Forum Mar 21, 2025
Gibson17
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?