lunati cam question

[doc396]

i have a problem with the valve train geometry on a 65 327 engine i put together a few years back. the pushrods seem to be to short to put the rocker arms in the right position. i bought a plastic length checker that slides over the rocker stud and lets you measure for pushrod length. but it seems to be almost 1/4 inch off? just eyeballing the rocker you can see its very low on pushrod side. it seems like the lifter sets to low in the block? i got sidetracked and never went any further, now i am thinking of removeing the cam and going with a different cam. anyone ever run across this problem. the cam number is lunati 08101 other numbers on the box are sm 248-259 106 chevrolet 283-400 nbod 7751. i also have the lunati solid lifters it calls for in the book from jegs. the block deck and heads have never been machined. it was a virgin engine when i took it apart. doc

 

[dq409]

I would not think it is the cam or lifters.
What rockers are you using?

Have you call Lunati tech line,,dq

 

[models916]

Call the Mfg.

Might be a reduced base circle cam for clearance on a stroker.

 

[dq409]

Whats the lenght of the push rods you have?
They should be 7.794" long with that cam.
Part # Part #: 81134

 

[doc396]

well it's been a while (4 years) since i have been working on this. it has hardend push rods due to aftermarket guides at stock length now. i went with smaller diameter springs/retainers and roller tip rockers. i did not save the receipt so i can't remember the brand. i wanted to keep stock appearance with factory valve covers. i am going to try a post some pics. i have all the rocker nuts backed off because it was going to be setting and i wanted to keep springs relaxed. :takethat sorry these are the only pics small enough to load, i will have to take some more pics if needed. MODELS YOU MAY BE ON TO SOMETHING THERE ON THE REDUCED LOBE CIRCLE???? thanks, doc

 

[dq409]

My guess from looking at the picture is your push rods are too short,,, Just a guess,,dq

 

[models916]

OK Holmes

Sherlock, he said his pushrods are short. The question is why. Wrong pushrods, reduced base cam, too thick head gaskets, wrong valve height.

 

[models916]

Just kidding

Just joking around. Can you dig it?

 

[models916]

Cant tell

Cant tell for sure from the picture but the rocker adjustment looks like the valves might be taller than stock.

 

[doc396]

well i had a very reputable machine shop do the head work. as i remember they installed 2.02/1.60 valves lunati springs/retainers and set spring height to spec. i had match ported intake ports before sending to shop. the stock long slot rockers and large diameter springs i had on at first were rubbing each other. i knew something was wrong then. i thought i could massage it with smaller springs, leaner rocker arms and longer push rods. the more i think about it the more i am pointing at the cam. also the lifters seem to low in block when at 0 lift. when this first came up i went back to jegs and double checked the lunati parts to see if everything worked together, by the book it should not be a issue? doc

 

[dq409]

Sherlock, he said his pushrods are short. The question is why. Wrong pushrods, reduced base cam, too thick head gaskets, wrong valve height.

Hey Holmes,, i posted the push rod length that Lunati states should be used with that cam.
Did Doc check the push rods he has to see if they are shorter then what Lunati states?


Doc,,, Forget Jegs,,, CALL Lunati and get some answers !!!:takethat
Have the push rod length that you have before calling them,,, Slock,,

 

[Fathead Racing]

well i had a very reputable machine shop do the head work. as i remember they installed 2.02/1.60 valves lunati springs/retainers and set spring height to spec. i had match ported intake ports before sending to shop. the stock long slot rockers and large diameter springs i had on at first were rubbing each other. i knew something was wrong then. i thought i could massage it with smaller springs, leaner rocker arms and longer push rods. the more i think about it the more i am pointing at the cam. also the lifters seem to low in block when at 0 lift. when this first came up i went back to jegs and double checked the lunati parts to see if everything worked together, by the book it should not be a issue? doc

Do you happen to know what valves were used? Are they stock length for the 348/409?

 

[models916]

Sbc

small block is in question

 

[dq409]

Do you happen to know what valves were used? Are they stock length for the 348/409?

And they call me Sherlock !!!

 

[Dick MacKenzie]

And they call me Sherlock !!!

Among other things!

 

[Fathead Racing]

Do you happen to know what valves were used? Are they stock length for the 348/409?

Oh, heh heh, I see . Let me rephrase that question. Are the valves stock length for the 327? Or maybe I ought to just back out of this thread

 

[doc396]

just got home (late). at this point i am not really sure of anything???? i think i am going to take it back apart and start over from square one. i just thought this might have been something that someone had run across who had used lunati valve trains. the only reason i went this route is because back in the early 70"s i bought a 66 chevy ll SS with a built L/79 and it had all lunati valve train. that thing was a power house and had a mean sound. it was to radical for daily driving so i ended up swapping out the race stuff for the stock L/79 stuff. i tried to duplicate that engine and thats when i ran into this brick wall. i am not sure i check the number on the cam to the box number it came in, so i am not really sure what i put in? live and learn. doc

 

[dq409]

Doc, I`m still wondering why you haven`t called Lunati and told them about tis problem.
They might have a simple solution,,,dq

 

[doc396]

i should call them directly myself i know. now i remember why i shelved the project the guy i delt with at jegs made a call from the store back when i first had this come up. he was very helpful, and even called some race engine builders he knew. they all agreed there was a problem but couldn't help over the phone (without seeing problem). i measured one of the pushrods with a tape measure (the only way i have) it looks to be 7 7/8" or 7.875" by eyeballing. i need to take it apart and recheck everything again, just to ease my mind as to what i have. i have spent to much money to risk major damage to the engine, not to mention all the time/work it would take to remove and disassemble after the fact. i think after i remove the cam and take some lobe measurements and double check the numbers i will call lunati. only thing that PO's me is messing up that great paint job i did thanks for all the help, i will let you all know what i find doc

 

[CDNpontiac409guy]

This thread reminds me of a "problem" that a former employee ( Rob ) of mine had. Had quite an effect
Don't remember ever getting it fixed