When I had my valve clearances adjusted by a mechanic about a year ago, the car didn't feel quite as fast as it used to. But I dismissed it as just my imagination. The car was due for another adjustment, so I thought I'd try to do it myself for the first time. I figured I'd be more critical on making sure the clearances were all precise. I measured the exhaust clearances 0.009 and the intake sides were around 0.008. So I readjusted them to 0.007 exhaust and .0006 intake. When I took the car out for the test drive, I noticed that it runs alot smoother and the acceleration is definately better. Everything went pretty smooth so I gave myself a pat on the back.

Finally, here's the questions I have... I'm wondering if I go even tighter (.005 intake and 0.006 exhaust) if I'd get more hp gains. I read somewhere on the Endyn board that people were running clearances tighter than Honda spec and getting noticible gains. Has anyone tried this on the ITR and gotten any gains? And is it safe on the ITR?


[Modified by R8dR, 1:55 AM 7/13/2001]

 

he lists the min. clearances here: http://www.theoldone.com/articles/en...DataSheet.html

rocker wear is a consideration. The tighter the lash the longer the cam lobe sits on the rocker and gives you a slight increase in overlap.

 

Michael - thanks for the reply. Can you please clarify... You can go a little tighter safely but at the expense of more wear and tear? And increasing overlap will increase hp? I'm thinking about going 0.001 to 0.002 tighter, but I'm worried that the cam lobes would ALWAYS be touching the rockers once the engine is running at temp.