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Of course, the important part of our test was the valve train. The short block was topped off with a set of “Fuelie” heads, in this case with 492 casting numbers. The 350 featured a 4-bolt block, steel crank and factory (pink) rods swinging 11:1 forged pistons. Test motor number one was a 350-inch small-block Chevy. To illustrate just how much power adjusting the valve lash can be worth, we ran a pair of tests on two different motors. This is especially the case with these older (factory) solid flat-tappet cam profiles, but as indicated previously, changes in lash can also be applied to solid roller cam profiles as well. For our dyno test, we were concentrating on the changes in power from lash adjustments that were well within what might be considered the normal range. The lash must be neither insufficient nor excessive, as either can cause valve-train problems, irrespective of the attending changes in power production. The lash must be set to allow for the differences in material growth rate, as well as for the design of the ramp rate of the cam. Why is it necessary to have lash in the first place, you ask? Unlike hydraulic lifters (flat-tappet or roller), the solid-lifter mechanisms are unable to compensate for the difference between the growth rates of the block, heads, pushrods, and valves. For this test, we will concentrate on the solid-lifter, flat-tappet cam profile, but the lash adjustments can also be applied solid roller cams. Within each variety exists both hydraulic and solid versions. The “Fuelie” heads were installed on the awaiting short block.Ĭam profiles come in two major varieties, including flat-tappet and roller profiles. The same is true of simple things, like adjusting the valve lash. Only working together can the combination maximize power, as it does no good to have a cam designed to make power at 5,000 rpm when the heads and intake want to rev to 7,500 rpm! Though the first step is always choosing the right cam, did you know there are additional considerations once you have made your choice? Things like advancing and retarding the cam during the installation cam increase or decrease the effectiveness of the combination. Of course, it helps when the cam timing is combined with both sufficient cylinder head flow and an optimized induction system that allows the motor to produce power in synch with the cam profile. Mild cam timing will obviously create a different personality than some high-strung, race cam, even if everything else on the motor remains constant. The cam is often described as the brain of the internal combustion engine, as it synchronizes the valve events that all but determine the character of the motor. Whether you have a Ford, Chevy or Dodge, one of the key elements in improving the power output is the right camshaft. A change in valve lash on a solid flat-tappet (or solid roller) cam can change the attitude of your motor!