quench and piston to valve clearance

**blackula 99** · 08-17-2009, 03:30 AM

Have a ls1 block with ls6 cnced heads milled to 59cc.I am going to run the comp cams 224/230/581/588 cam {273xer} on a 114lsa. Was going to run a 051 head gasket[mls] Is there a fear of piston to valve clearance with this combination and , quench...is this far from optimum? maybe a .040? Can I even run this thinner gasket with this combination? Thanx in advance

**mrr23** · 08-17-2009, 03:32 AM

i don't forsee any issues. i've read where people have used thinner head gaskets with no issues.

**manyponies** · 08-20-2009, 05:13 PM

Quench distance is also affected by how far the pistons are in the hole. Always check piston the valve clearance when changing components. It doesn't take long, is not hard, and is much better than finding out after the engine is running that you have a collision.

**bills98ta** · 08-21-2009, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by blackula 99

Have a ls1 block with ls6 cnced heads milled to 59cc.I am going to run the comp cams 224/230/581/588 cam {273xer} on a 114lsa. Was going to run a 051 head gasket[mls] Is there a fear of piston to valve clearance with this combination and , quench...is this far from optimum? maybe a .040? Can I even run this thinner gasket with this combination? Thanx in advance

As far as your quench goes, On my build, the pistons came out of the block .010" and I used the .051 gasket for a .041" quench. So that's great. That cam should fit with no problems. It is easy to check the valve to piston clearance. Put two light springs on your # 1 valves, so you can push them open with your fingers as you turn over the motor. Read this link on degreeing a cam !!!

http://69.20.53.62/pdf/803.pdf

**Marc 85Z28** · 08-26-2009, 10:14 AM

Is anybody actually reading what has been posted!?

Heads milled .030". Larger valves than stock. That cam MAY clear with the .051" gasket. No way will it clear with the .040"

**bills98ta** · 08-26-2009, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by Marc 85Z28

Is anybody actually reading what has been posted!?

Heads milled .030". Larger valves than stock. That cam MAY clear with the .051" gasket. No way will it clear with the .040"

You choose the gasket according to the piston highth, and your shooting for .035" - .045" quench... Then, you want to degree the cam to make sure it fits. If not, the pistons will need fly cut.
Just from experience, I'm saying his combo will not have any clearence issues. You don't want to use the gasket thickness to give more room for the valve to piston clearence.