Valve Adjusters Revisited - Now also valve lash caps! Options

[bbrock]

I know valve adjustment screws have discussed to death, but frankly, the information is all over the mat and the more I read, the more confused I get. I'm hoping to get some clarity for my build. Here's the situation: stock "GA" 2.0L engine. The only mod on this engine is the OE camshaft got a mild regrind for carbs and I installed euro spec (flat top) pistons. This is not a performance build, just looking for reliability.

The heads are in Sonoma being rebuilt right now and, based on advice from this forum, will get a new set of SS valves. I have a box full of rocker assemblies from several engines, including both 8mm and 10mm versions. My original plan was to install the 10mm rockers with a new set of OE adjustment screws, but I have read that SS valves require either swivel foot adjusters or lash caps to protect the stem ends. True or False? Manley valves have hardened tips (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

If it's true that SS valves need extra protection, I like the swivel foot adjuster options, but they are damn expensive and i AM trying to stay in a budget here. Lash caps seems the less expensive option but what is the best way to deal with the extra length they add to the valve stems?

Again, I'm just looking for a reliable engine that provides new stock performance. I'm not interested in upgrades that only benefit high performance engines or provide nothing but bragging rights.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[McMark]

I use 911 adjusters on all my builds. And if you're building a 'blueprinted' motor where everything is checked and dialed in then there's no question. You want the best of the best? Get 911 swivel feet.

---DONE--- (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumb3d.gif)

But obviously there are engines being built by people that need to save money where they can. And there are people who are building motors that don't need the best-of-the-best on everything. For those people there is a choice to be made, and the idea that 911 adjusters are the ONLY safe way to build a motor is false.

Yes it makes your valvetrain last longer. There's no debating it. But just because 911 adjusters are better doesn't mean solid adjusters are bad. What's the life expectancy of a solid adjuster setup? There are still original factory motors out there that run fine. So does that mean that the solid adjusters are good for 50,000 miles? 70,000? 100,000?

How many miles do you drive your car in a year? For most people, a 50,000 mile lifespan would equate to more than 10 years.

And if we're talking about life expectancy -- are all the rest of your parts going to match the life of the 911 adjusters? If your pistons and cylinders aren't going to last 100,000 miles, what good is a valve setup that will last 200,000?

So I recommend getting the 911 adjusters for all engines -- but if you don't run them, don't feel like you're building a grenade, don't feel like you're doing it wrong. You CAN build a motor that will have a good long life with solid adjusters.