What you guys like to see for piston/valve clearance on your BBC? Checking the 582 build today getting .060 intake /.100 exhaust with a .041 head gasket and lash at zero.

Depends on a few different things but the clearances you have @ zero lash should work in a basic hot rod engine.
If you're checking it cold with aluminum heads you'll have even more at operating temps.

I wouldn't be afraid of .050 on the intake with the lash.
And .080 on the exhaust.

Intake valve chases the piston. It takes a train wreck for it to hit and by that time clearance doesn't matter.

Excessive valve clearance is waisted CCs that could be added compression with less dome. Less dome happier combustion.

You are good to go!

It depends on how accurate your checking method is.In general that is very safe under normal conditions. I've run as close as .010 on intakes but exhaust I like more cushion.

Plenty good especially with steel rods I have run tighter with aluminum rods and never issue and turn them 9500 rpm.

As close as possible. Otherwise your leaving HP on the table JMO

Ok im lost . Added the lash to the valves and my measurement doesnt change?

Obviously that isn't possible so start over and double check your procedure and measurements as you go.
I didn't read this entire post , but did you mention how you're measuring things?

Using dial indicator and checker springs, measuring at 10 degrees after for tightest measurement on intake, 10 before for exhaust. Exhaust is fine , intake too tight now? Wtf?

The 10 before and 10 after is usually pretty fail safe. But maybe try one intake @ 5 and 15 just to confirm 10 IS your closest point. Same on an exhaust.
Make sure your indicator stand isn't flexing/moving as well as your pointer or degree wheel.
If you had to use different retainers with the checker springs make sure the rocker arm isn't hitting the outside of the retainer somewhere and screwing with your measuring.
I always check with zero lash and just keep that in the back of my mind when considering if I have enough clearance. An aluminum head max effort engine doesn't really need more then the valve lash for clearance on the intake when cold.
We used to say we gave up compression if carbon built up in the intake pocket of the piston.
Of course it's kinda easy to get 15-16 to 1 compression with modern heads these days.
One thing to remember though is you have to check every cylinder when running it that close. Even number rockers arms so they stay with their cylinder.
BTW, using checker springs will actually gain you about .005-.015 more clearance once you put on the race springs.
I like to check a cylinder and then check it again to make sure it repeats. Same thing when degreeing a cam.
Good luck...hope you get it telling you the same thing over and over so you can trust what it's telling you...

I think the best way to check clearance is to not use checker springs because they are so inaccurate, at least they are when I used them.

quote:

I think the best way to check clearance is to not use checker springs because they are so inaccurate, at least they are when I used them.

checking springs will not seat the valve properly and very likely not the same each time

quote:

Originally posted by rusty:

quote:

I think the best way to check clearance is to not use checker springs because they are so inaccurate, at least they are when I used them.

checking springs will not seat the valve properly and very likely not the same each time

The springs I had were light enough to make it really hard to set lash without opening the valve so I think you're right about them not seating the valve consistently.

If your going to use checker springs you have to physically "pull up" on the retainer while zeroing the dial indicator.
And I check clearance through the range to make sure I have the closest spot.