Author Topic: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403  (Read 3151 times)

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Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« on: April 07, 2021, 08:11:13 PM »
I added a set of good used #7 heads to my 403 big difference in power and exhaust sound. I ended up with a small rocker arm tick so i am going to add a adjustable Comp Cam 1441 valve train kit . Has anyone used this kit ? any tips on install ?
https://www.jegs.com/i/COMP-Cams/249/1441-KIT/10002/-1
1979 Gold Bird
original paint and decals motor and trans   solid body mounts   frame connectors  full suspension overhaul  255/50/17 Nitto tires and YO snowflakes .  
Jim

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Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #1 on: April 08, 2021, 04:17:45 AM »
You'll possibly need custom length pushrods to suit your engine and heads.
« Last Edit: April 08, 2021, 08:39:40 PM by Wallington »

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Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #2 on: April 08, 2021, 06:33:00 AM »
Wondering why i would nee that The kit is made for a stock 403. Motor still has the stock cam from 1979 is all original except the heads . Spoke to the machine shop that inspected the heads valve stem height could be off for non adjustable valve train they suggested this kit. Not looking to make it a race car just add a little HP. Before i took off the 4A heads the motor ran and sounded great no tick. Thanks for your thought on this .
1979 Gold Bird
original paint and decals motor and trans   solid body mounts   frame connectors  full suspension overhaul  255/50/17 Nitto tires and YO snowflakes .  
Jim

Wallington

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Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #3 on: April 08, 2021, 08:18:43 PM »
You no longer have a stock 403. The replacements may be of use but rarely are. An adjustable pushrod will determine the length you need and then compare.
Stock length 350-403 pushrods measure in @ 8.265". The 7843 pushrods supplied with the 1441-KIT are 8.500". Different valvetrain design obviously. My rebuilt 403 and 4A's skimmed once required 8.400". If either have been rebuilt in the past, or machined or had new valves put in, it becomes an unknown. Again, may be just fine.
« Last Edit: April 08, 2021, 08:38:10 PM by Wallington »

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Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2021, 05:46:43 AM »
Got it. Appreciate you taking the time to explain .
1979 Gold Bird
original paint and decals motor and trans   solid body mounts   frame connectors  full suspension overhaul  255/50/17 Nitto tires and YO snowflakes .  
Jim

Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2021, 05:46:43 AM »

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Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #5 on: April 16, 2021, 06:29:17 PM »
The kit is in and running fine . The biggest pain was setting up all the push rod guide plates after that it was straight forward . The quality of the rocker arms were very good the only bad part was the lock nuts for the rocker arms very cheep . I would suggest a good quality nylock nut instead .
1979 Gold Bird
original paint and decals motor and trans   solid body mounts   frame connectors  full suspension overhaul  255/50/17 Nitto tires and YO snowflakes .  
Jim

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Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #6 on: April 17, 2021, 04:18:34 AM »
I didn't use the supplied kit nuts either, Comp Cams polylocks.
« Last Edit: April 17, 2021, 09:32:07 PM by Wallington »

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Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #7 on: May 02, 2021, 08:22:42 PM »
Hey Wallington . Did the nuts you used still fit under the factory Olds valve cover ?
1979 Gold Bird
original paint and decals motor and trans   solid body mounts   frame connectors  full suspension overhaul  255/50/17 Nitto tires and YO snowflakes .  
Jim

Wallington

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Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #8 on: May 02, 2021, 11:11:51 PM »
All stock here for valve covers

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Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #9 on: May 03, 2021, 05:19:04 AM »
I still have the junk nuts on but just ordered a push rod checker so i can order the correct push rods. Do you remember what Com Cam part number you used for the better rocker arm nut ?
1979 Gold Bird
original paint and decals motor and trans   solid body mounts   frame connectors  full suspension overhaul  255/50/17 Nitto tires and YO snowflakes .  
Jim

Wallington

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Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #10 on: May 03, 2021, 08:27:16 AM »
No, sorry. I believe they were also Comp Cams brand. That was 10 years ago and much of the products have changed, I just did a search to see that. I still have the ball nuts and another set of polylocks that were returned after engine rebuild, so they may have tried another set first.

Just checked my notes I'd saved in regards to engine rebuild details. No parts numbers given but says to use the 'short' polylocks for clearance, otherwise if using the regular length with valve covers and internal baffles you may need to double up the gasket.
« Last Edit: May 03, 2021, 08:37:37 AM by Wallington »

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Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #11 on: May 03, 2021, 08:34:15 PM »
I just purchased the Comp Cams 4604-16 poly lock Rocker Arm Nuts will report back and let everyone know if they fit under the stock covers.
1979 Gold Bird
original paint and decals motor and trans   solid body mounts   frame connectors  full suspension overhaul  255/50/17 Nitto tires and YO snowflakes .  
Jim

olds403

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Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #12 on: May 08, 2021, 09:52:06 AM »
If not use two vc gaskets and glue them together with weather stripping adhesive,  then use longer bolts.  On our stroker 403 we have Harland sharpe and use aluminum vc spacers.  Easy to fix
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Wallington

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Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #13 on: May 08, 2021, 09:47:40 PM »
How thick are those spacers, Mike?

olds403

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Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #14 on: May 09, 2021, 10:01:26 AM »
3/8 inch.  Remember gasket on each side  it will be more like 1/2 inch all said and done and that is using thin rubber ones.  A/c bkt on passenger side will need spacers

https://shop.rocketracingshop.com/3-8-VALVE-COVER-SPACERS-BILLET-6061-ALUMINUM-OLDS-RR-3-8-VALVE.htm

1979 Trans Am (Red)
1979 10th Anniversary Trans Ams (Dads)
2023 Mercedes E63s AMG Special Order

Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #14 on: May 09, 2021, 10:01:26 AM »

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Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #15 on: June 17, 2021, 11:38:28 AM »
Well the  Comp Cams 4604-16 poly lock Rocker Arm Nuts do fit under the stock covers with no issues.
1979 Gold Bird
original paint and decals motor and trans   solid body mounts   frame connectors  full suspension overhaul  255/50/17 Nitto tires and YO snowflakes .  
Jim

Re: Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403
« Reply #15 on: June 17, 2021, 11:38:28 AM »
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