Q: I'm chasing compression and trying to eliminate ticking. Can you help me adjust my valves? EFI SBF roller block

asked by on April 25, 2017

I just replaced head gaskets, lifters, rocker arms, and pushrods on my 331 stroker SBF and I had a tick coming from the motor. So in an attempt to adjust the rockers/valves I am now chasing compression(I can't seem to line the cylinders up within 15% difference of each other). Most are around 130-140psi on a cold test but I have #1 at 70 and #5 at 185, I can't raise #1 or lower #5 for some reason. I need help getting this car to run properly and it's driving me crazy!! I need good compression with zero to minimal valvetrain noise....please help!! Can you get this valvetrain sorted out??

My car has 12250 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do you activate the daytime running lights?
Some models are equipped with a supplemental daytime running light system. Essentially, this system turns on the headlights at a dimmer setting than what’s used at night to provide visibility for other drivers during the day. It’s particularly helpful for...
What does the Brake Fluid Low message mean?
The Brake Fluid Low message can appear on your driver information center (DIC). When the DIC displays this alert, then your vehicle has detected that the fluid in your brake system is low. The brake system should be serviced as...
White smoke from exhaust
Hello. White smoke out of the exhaust usually means that there is coolant getting into the cylinder head, or engine block. The most common cause of this is a blown head gasket. This means that the head gasket that sits...
I have no spark, no ignition, no current is going to the ignition coil. Could this be a Auto Shut-Down Relay?
The automatic shutdown (ASD) relay powers the coil and is turned on and off by the engine control module ECM. If you scan the engine and get a code 40, then you may have a bad ASD relay, but there...
Have hole intop plastic radiator how can i mend till i can get a new radiator
There is a compound called JB Weld that might work to fix a small hole in a radiator temporarily. This compound has two parts a black and a grey. When the two are mixed together, this creates the compound. Once...
Sputter when idle
This may be a sign of a failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve is located on or near your intake manifold that monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected...
Car shakes and rattles in first gear
Hello. Your vehicle has a few things going on and it is probably best you have it inspected by an experienced technician. The shakes and rattles may be due to worn engine mounts (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement) or an out of tune ignition...
Car spits out white smoke when started after sitting for a short time
I have seen this many times on this engine. When this occurs during startup it is because of failed valve stem seals (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/valve-cover-gasket-replacement). In some cases the piston rings may be leaking also, but you would get smoke all the...
How much horsepower does my car have, and what is the correct tire pressure?
Hi there. According to the factory, your 2009 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.8L V-6 engine has 202 horsepower. The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, assuming it's a Rubicon edition, would be 37 lbs of pressure on all four tires....

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford Explorer
Over Over 20 years ago, Ford changed everything for the American car-buying market when they introduced the first generation of the Explorer. Today, the 2012 Ford Explorer continues the evolution of modern large SUVs with a number of updates, including...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in the Country
Living Living in the country is a whole different way of living. You deal with rough and uneven roads, mud, snow, rain, and ice and you need a vehicle that can stand up to these kinds of conditions with ease....
Top Five Selling Cars in Colorado in 2012
Colorado Colorado offers a varied climate depending on where drivers are located. Those in lower elevations see plenty of sunshine all year, while those in the mountain areas can see as much as 300 inches of snow. Due to this,...