Ok, so I just got my XE284 in and got it installed and everything and now I have a few questions.

Here is a quick run down of the setup.

-First it is a 385 stroker motor
-Eagle rotating assembly with cap screw rod bolts. Also the rods came clearanced for up to .600 of lift (according to eagle).
-186 heads 2.02/1.60 valves ported, polished and pushed to 66cc's to obtain 10.1:1 SCR.
-RPM Intake port matched sitting under a holley 750dp
-Will be getting a set of heddman headers 1 5/8" primaries and 3" collectors


I have checked clearances between the springs, rocker and stud, and retainer and rocker. All checked good but this is my question. I know you are supposed to use a solid lifter to degree a cam but do you need to use one for checking clearances? Are there any other clearances I should check other than piston to valve and rod clearance.

Also, I don't have any clearance problems with the timing chain hooked up but when I was turning he crank to get into position to install the cam gear one of the rods hit one of the cam lobes and would not turn any farther. Is this a problem? Obviously, if the timing chain ever broke on the motor I would be F---ed!!!!

 

i would use a solid lifter to check clearances such as piston to valve, and spring retainer to seal, etc.

Also if the cam is severely out of time you may run into some clearance problems with the rod hitting the lobes. In your case, having the cam in and not moving with the crank via the timing chain, i could see it hitting some rods. I dont like that but the motor wont be running like that so it doesnt matter. With the cam installed right, dot to dot, it shouldnt hit and that is what counts. You need some clearance between the rods and cam lobes for sure tho.

My cam is on a small base circle. using Eagle forged H beam rods and crank. No problems here as far as i could see. Cam suppose to have .603/.613 lift but with my makeshift solid lifter i was seeing .630/.640 at the valve with my dial indicator. Not sure why that was....