I'm finding lots of conflicting info on this topic. And not just on the internet either. My Chilton's manual gives a valve adjustment procedure that is very SBC-like...make sure pushrod is on base circle of cam, one cylinder at a time, set valves to 1 turn past zero lash, tighten the lock nut, etc...
BUT...on a Pontiac? This just seems flat-out wrong. My 1968 400 doesn't even HAVE locking nuts on the valvetrain...so I'm pretty sure they won't stay in place if I follow that routine and they'll back off. I'm much less familiar with these Pontiacs, but I've always been of the understanding that they are non-adjustable. You tighten the rocker nut all the way, torque them to 20 ft lbs, and call it a day...
What is correct? Back in 1999-ish, I put an engine into storage and relaxed all the valve springs as part of storage procedure. It is now time to bring-er back to life. Do I just crank them down to 20 ft lbs? If yes, I don't even need to rotate the engine to do this, do I? Seems it wouldn't even matter what position the valves are in if I'm just putting them down all the way and giving them a torque spec.
Or does someone sell a set of poly-lock nuts that allow the SBC routine? If yes, is there any benefit to buying a set and running the locked nuts backed off a bit to allow less tension and friction in the valvetrain?
