To avoid wrecking your engine you should always check piston to valve clearance when installing a new cam, rocker arms, or cylinder heads. Skipping this crucial step may seem like a time savings but could end up costing you thousands of dollars and requiring a completely new engine.

In this video we install a TFS Stage 1 camshaft and Flo Tek 180cc aluminum cylinder heads on a 1986 302 SBF in my 1964 Mercury Comet. The 1986 pistons are especially suspect due to the lack of valve reliefs so skipping this step isn't even an option.

I will show you the specific tools required whether you intended to use clay or a dial indicator. We talk about converting your hydraulic roller lifter to solid lifters, pushrod length, checker springs, and the complete measurement philosophy.

As an added bonus you get to see how to install a cam in a 302 SBF Windsor using basic hand tools at home!