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Bored&Stroked · 04-09-2020, 09:35 PM

Couple things to note: Given that the actual vailve to deck angle is different side to side, one side will be higher than the other. The Driver's side will typically be above the deck (on the top edge) - depending on whether it is an intake or exhaust, the type of valve and the seat depths, you might see the Driver's side .030 to .040 above the deck. The passenger side is typically just flush or below the deck a bit. Do NOT attempt to make both sides the same - or you'll screw the pooch! The engine was deliberately designed with the crankshaft offset a bit - causing the valve angles to be different. The 32-41 engines had different valve angles than the later 45 - 53 engines.

If you're new to all this, I hope you have somebody to help mentor you through the process - as I can tell with your initial objective of grinding the seats to set the clearances, that you've not done this before. If your valve lash is too much, then you either use longer valves (not stock Ford), you use lash-caps or you weld up the stems as Pete noted (the original and tried and true way) - then grind back to set the clearance. Best of luck!

04-09-2020, 09:35 PM	#18
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,062	Re: 8BA valve seat grinding Couple things to note: Given that the actual vailve to deck angle is different side to side, one side will be higher than the other. The Driver's side will typically be above the deck (on the top edge) - depending on whether it is an intake or exhaust, the type of valve and the seat depths, you might see the Driver's side .030 to .040 above the deck. The passenger side is typically just flush or below the deck a bit. Do NOT attempt to make both sides the same - or you'll screw the pooch! The engine was deliberately designed with the crankshaft offset a bit - causing the valve angles to be different. The 32-41 engines had different valve angles than the later 45 - 53 engines. If you're new to all this, I hope you have somebody to help mentor you through the process - as I can tell with your initial objective of grinding the seats to set the clearances, that you've not done this before. If your valve lash is too much, then you either use longer valves (not stock Ford), you use lash-caps or you weld up the stems as Pete noted (the original and tried and true way) - then grind back to set the clearance. Best of luck!