is it possible to check valve to piston clearance with out taking the heads off? I want to buy a bigger camshaft for my 351 windsor stock pistons with 1970 heads. cam is 230 duration (280) and 512 lift
The piston isn't the issue here, the issue would be the valve springs. Stock Ford small block springs will bind at .500 lift, this cam will require new springs. If you don't have adjustable rocker arms (most Fords are a postive stop or torque value) you will need an adjustable valve train also. 351s and 289s BOTH use 4 inch pistons, and you CAN'T put a 3.5 inch (351) crank in a 289!
put cylinder one at top dead center. then compress valve down till it makes contact with the piston. not accurate because hydraulic lifters will pump up during engine operation
289 bored to 351? Maybe possible to STROKE it to 351, but I've never heard of it. I have heard of people running that much lift with stock springs, but I wouldn't recommend it. It's easier to change the springs with the heads off, so you might as well pull them and check clearances with clay.
No you can't check the valve to piston clearance without taking the heads off. I had a 289 bored out to 351 and ran stock 351 pistons. So your stock pistons should work with the new camshaft. I know I'm a girl but my husbands a mechanic and for fun we rebuild muscle cars.
