@Charrlie_S what is your experience with piston to valve clearance on the 170? How "big" of a camshaft have you run, all hard parts stock? Since the 170 is pretty much a zero deck height, I was wondering. Thank you.
170 Piston To Valve Clearance
- Thread starter RustyRatRod
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Charrlie_S
Well-Known Member
It depends (of course it does 
). If using any aftermarket cam, I would check piston/valve clearance. I have never tried a "cam" with a stock head. My first 170 slant I had a head milled .100 and used a Crane S-264 cam. Was OK. Later tried a Crane F-274 (next size up) and Valves hit the pistons. I will have to get out some notes to give you the exact cam specs. I have never tried a cam with an unmilled head. The only two cams I have run without valve notches is the Crane s-264, and the mildest Mopar purple shaft. Remember it is not only the valve lift, but also the the valve timing that makes a difference. I don't remember what motor configeration I had, but one motor I had run for years with TRW forged pistons at zero deck, and 120-125 off the head, had made its own valve notches. Found this when I pulled the head. What they call "self closing valves" .
Remember, the 170 doesn't make a lot of torque, and adding a cam without raising the CR will make it worse.
). If using any aftermarket cam, I would check piston/valve clearance. I have never tried a "cam" with a stock head. My first 170 slant I had a head milled .100 and used a Crane S-264 cam. Was OK. Later tried a Crane F-274 (next size up) and Valves hit the pistons. I will have to get out some notes to give you the exact cam specs. I have never tried a cam with an unmilled head. The only two cams I have run without valve notches is the Crane s-264, and the mildest Mopar purple shaft. Remember it is not only the valve lift, but also the the valve timing that makes a difference. I don't remember what motor configeration I had, but one motor I had run for years with TRW forged pistons at zero deck, and 120-125 off the head, had made its own valve notches. Found this when I pulled the head. What they call "self closing valves" .Remember, the 170 doesn't make a lot of torque, and adding a cam without raising the CR will make it worse.
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It depends (of course it does
Remember, the 170 doesn't make a lot of torque, and adding a cam without raising the CR will make it worse.
Exactly, which is why I said how "big" of a cam and not "how much lift". Thanks.
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