what is the difference between taking valve lash from cam to rocker arm and valve stem to rocker arm?

 

The clearance will be different depending on which place you measure. So you gotta be sure you know which one they mean when you read the amount of clearance. It probably depends on which one is easier to reach with a feeler gauge.

My '95 GS-R says to measure between the cam & the follower. I thought somebody said the SOHC engines call for the measurement at the valve stem, but check the shop manual for YOUR car.

 

sohc's are valve tip to follower