One word from JohnZ and I need my "Blankey"

[Kid_Again]

'Ya gotta respect guys like him who have "been there, done that" and who share their information willingly

So, I read his response on whether my ZZ454 really has adjustable valves and his response was fine and I am moving forward based on that. Inevitably, I get to talking to an acquaintance (geez, guess who? :duh ) and the discussion takes on a life of its own...Gen V this, Gen VI that...before you know it, my tiny little brain hurts...


So, I call Sallee Chevrolet who sold me the engine and I ask what I presume is a straightforward question...do you agree that my valves are adjustable?......silence on the other end of the phone....but they do come back with a response that reinforces what JohnZ says but not in the way that I expected -> the valves are adjustable because you have the aluminum heads :confused ...these heads come on Gen V and Gen VI engines

Either way I'm OK but I go with the Big Dog on The Porch (JohnZ's) advice....

Any thoughts (other than the good common sense of reminding me that if you ask three people for an opinion, you will get 4 responses back)?

 

[tigernut]

From some google research, it seems the cylinder heads for Gen V and VI blocks are the deciding factor:

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/4567/

It sounds dependant on the rocker stud installed in the head and can be converted with a Crane kit as well as others.

You should be able to examine your rocker studs to tell what you have I believe.

Doug

 

[magoo]

I definately agree on John Z. I think we're from about the same generation, and I'm just hopin he will accept my handshake if I can track him down at Carlisle.

Save the Wave

Mike

 

[Kid_Again]

I think that is an excellent article. Based on the valve train picture, I am absolutely certain that I have adjustable valvetrain components.....JohnZ was right.


However, even that article is wrong on some points. For example, the gmpp website states my engine has a hydraulic roller whereas the articel says its a flat tappet hydraulic. No big deal.


HOWEVER, gmpp says the ZZ454 is a Gen VI block. I THOUGHT the Gen VI's did not have provision for a mechanical fuel pump. Tell that to the mechanical fuel pump hanging off of my ZZ454. Blankey, I need my BLANKEY!!!!:cry


The heck with this. It runs.

 

[JohnZ]

The Viper V-10 valvetrain is also non-adjustable, even with needle-bearing rockers - we just bolt them down. Main reason for this design is to eliminate the time and manual labor of adjusting them in the engine plant, and field warranty for improperly-adjusted valvetrains. Almost all overhead-valve engines have gone this way over the last ten years or so, all for the same reasons. Note the "beehive" valve springs - although the cam manufacturer's ads tout them as "our latest, exclusive, state-of-the-art invention", we quietly introduced them five years ago on the Viper. The aluminum plate along the top of the head is an assembly aid to hold all the pushrods in position while the rocker stands and rocker arms are installed.

 

[JL66REDCPE]

Someone correct me if I am wrong -- I seem to remember the Pontiac engines having non adjustable valves back in the 60's - even the GTO's. Maybe Duke will chime in -- I think he worked for Pontiac.

 

[Kid_Again]

JohnZ, nice touch with the latest perspective. Very helpful.


This adds to my view that cars are becoming (already are?) appliances. Nothing wrong with that (good economic sense for the manufacturers) for 99.9% of the population.

Hmmm...maybe I'll swap out my adjustable valvetrain for a nonadjustable setup. Then again, maybe I'll lie down till this passes. Where's my blankey?