Hello, I own 1982 Pontiac Trans Am Automatic 305ci/5.0L, 4BBL. I need to know the specific settings to be made for the tappets while using a Feeler Gauge.

As always I would appreciate any help you can provide.

the bandit

 

if it's a hydrolic cam you'd go 1/2 to 3/4 turn past zero lash if it's a solid cam you'd need to follow the cam grinders specs

 

Thank you for helping me but I still have one additional question.

How can you tell when the engine is on #1 or #6 Firing Order?

 

Since you've got the valve covers off to lash the valves, you'll see that the valves on #1 aren't moving as you turn the engine towards #1 TDC firing.

Other ways are to take the distributor cap off and see where the rotor is pointing, or take out the #1 spark plug and hold your finger over the hole to feel for compression as you turn it over towards #1 TDC firing.

 

From zero preload, it's best to only turn the rocker nut 1/2 turn. That puts about .030" preload in the hydraulic lifter.

2 ways to find TDC.

First, take the distributor cap off and look to see where the rotor is pointing. If it's pointing at the #1 plug wire and the timing marks are lined up then it's on #1 cylinder.

You can also do it by putting your thumb or the base of a screwdriver over the plug hole and bump the engine over. When there's a rush of air trying to come out, the piston is coming up to TDC on the compression stroke.

When at TDC #1 cylinder you can adjust valves
Exh 1,3,4,8
Int 1,2,5,7

When #6 is at TDC you can adjust
Exh 2,5,6,7
Int 3,4,6,8

http://www.compcams.com/Technical/Cu...ML/408-412.asp

There's a section in there about adjusting valves.

 

Thank you everyone for your input, if it weren't for everyone's kindness and aptitude for automotive's...I'd be up the creek big time.

Once again, thank you very much.