SPIN THEM UP

SPIN THEM UP

I had some FE heads with some pretty decent burrs on the valve tips. Instead of slowly turning the valves by hand to file the burrs off, I grabbed an old valve lapping stick and chucked it up in the drill to spin the valves. It went really quickly, and I was able to...
DON’T GET INTO A BIND

DON’T GET INTO A BIND

When valve train clearances are going to be tight, I like to double check my measurements and bench calculations by actually testing the components after they’re assembled. I put the valves and springs in this head, then used my quill on the seat & guide...
BEEHIVE HELP

BEEHIVE HELP

Sometimes assembling heads with beehive springs and retainers can be difficult because of their size. I find it easier to use a spring shim that fits the retainer and large enough to fit the spring compressor jaws.  Randy Torvinen Torvinen’s Machine Menahga,...
LET IT SHINE

LET IT SHINE

When you’re grinding Titanium valves, if you want a super shiny finish, grind them with the green wheel and “Mirror finish”. Wipe them off before pulling them from the chuck and give them 30 seconds of spinning with a microfiber towel and some...
PUSHRODS FOR TESTERS

PUSHRODS FOR TESTERS

When checking valve train geometry, you need adjustable pushrods which are never the right length and you need to use a light spring. I bought 1 of every 3/8 .080 wall pushrod 7.00” to 12.00”, in .050” length increments. It makes checking geometry quick and easy. Bob...