Rudimentary valve clearance question.

John, your piston to valve clearance, like MrMopar said, is dependant on your cam choice. Each cam is different, and the newer fast rate lift cams will lesson this clearance. I would suggest you keep the [email protected] under 240, and the lift under .550. Your only definate clearance is to buy the cam, and install it, degree it and get it where you will run it, then put clay on the piston, install a head, and spin the engine over. You can do this without a gasket, because you know what the compressed gasket thickness is. BTW, you are installing the composite gaskets, not steel shims, right? Then you pull the head, and using a razor, cut each impression in half. The thickness of the clay is your minimum clearance. (A depth mic is very difficult to use, because you must find the spot where the piston and valve are the closest..It's not at max lift)