Just want to make sure I got this right. I put a new cam in my car along with some new valve springs so I need to set the valve lash. I had the timing gears at dot to dot. I would start at #6 TDC and set those valves, rotate the harmonic balancer one turn and then set the valves at #1 TDC correct?

When at #6 TDC you can adjust the following valves:

Intake: 3, 4, 6, 8
Exhaust: 2, 5, 6, 7


When at #1 TDC you can adjust the following valves:

Intake: 1, 2, 5, 7
Exhaust: 1, 3, 4, 8

 

I had luck with the per-cylinder method... Though I've done that method too... I'd say if you put a stock-like cam back in, you could do that method and be okay... If you're looking for the alternative (it does make you rotate the crank more, for each valve), check this link out:

http://www.compcams.com/Technical/In.../Files/250.pdf

 

I got another question. Do I need to mess with the little allen head inside the rocker arm nut? I have the stock rocker arm nuts.

 

There's no Allen in a stock rocker nut.

Use the EOIC method... adjust each cylinder's intake as its exhaust just begine to open (EO), and adjust the exhaust just as the intake is fully closed (IC). Much much better than that Chilton's method. THis method will actually get them close enough to where the motor will run halfway right.

Then regardless of how you set them with the engine off, crank it up, and one at a time, back them off until they just start to clatter, and tighten them back up until they just quit. Then shut the motor off, and tighten each one ½ turn more, and put the valve covers back on.

 

Maybe mine have been replaced at some time then. Here is a pic.

 

Yes, those aren't stock. Turn the allen screw in at the same time as you put the last quarter turn on the nut.

 

Thanks