Not just opinion -- that's some nice analytical testing. I did the same thing the same way years ago, except that I didn't have a dial indicator to check potential flex.

Of course I agree that the green book method is quick and dirty, and I observe the same discrepency of up to .002". I never tried the "rock" method. Obviously, neither one puts you on the center of the base circle.

The "nines" method does put you on the dead center of the base circle. The method I use doesn't necessarily, although it will be pretty close. I don't think it matters as long as you're entirely clear of any ramps.

In my tests, however, I found that the "nines" method does NOT produce identical results to the one I use (which came from an old book on engine blueprinting -- can't remember the author now, but it's certainly not something I developed myself. I learned it from David Hueppchen at OJ Rallye). I still found a .001" difference on the #1 and #8 valves, which you did not observe. I have no logical explanation for that other than flex somewhere in the valve train, which I did not attempt to measure. You found no difference and also no flex. If you don't have one, you won't have the other...

Why our results are not the same, I don't know. I'm sure you tested it accurately. I've checked it on C, D, VV61, VV71, VPD SP, VPD SC, and Unitek Phase 4 cams, using stock and aftermarket lifters and pushrods, and the variance is always there to some extent.

I use the "nines" method to set up new motors, or if I have to set valves cold for some reason, because it's quick and easy and plenty good enough for a baseline. However, I can always hear that the valves are not all the same. They do sound the same using the other method, so that's why I concluded it's better than the "nines" and not just different.

Now someone will tell us that lash does not affect impact force with the stock cams, and that there is therefore no difference in sound if you go tighter or looser. That is not what I observe at all. We'll also hear that the lash does not change from cold to hot, whereas I find that it tightens up as much as .002". We'll also hear that these are tractor motors, and that it makes no difference in performance (why be anal, eh?) ;-)

I'm very curious what you'd find if you checked the "nines" versus "my" method warm. Care to pursue that, once you get the engine running again?

--Phil S.