I shaved my block .010 and wishing I used the shim. Due to loss of low end grunt power especially on the highway, however I would rather use the adj cam gear because shaving the block or head for that matter increases CR.

Thanks Phil for the extreme representation which proves my point in that shaving the head does not affect quench.

However, although the pistons won't hit the head they will hit the valves in your case. Which is the reason people want to use the shim when they shave the head, which is still wrong and is one reason why there is a spec to shave the head to. That and cam timing. And believe me, .010 was enough for me to notice a loss in low end power due to the change in cam timing even with 170psi as a compression number. In addition to the shaved block I also have it bored 20 over. IMO it almost canceled each other out as shown in my 170 +/- 3psi.

 

ok guys its all figured out! the older 22r valve cover fit perfect. ill post a pic of the studs

 

 

Stupid question… were you using a new/old factory valve cover gasket? None at all? It sits in the groove and boosts that sucker up a solid 1/16 − ⅛ inch when they're brand new. I've had valve covers hit the stock headbolts once the cover gasket gets old and collapses or the loser PO just shoves some RTV in the groove trying to be clever.

 

Hate going off topic but to the guys who are discussing deck height you left out that most 22re pistons are destroked 3mm to allow for block decking.I had .007 removed from my block with a new uncut head, new rods and crank{not turned}.My deck height came out perfect,and my truck runs way stronger than it ever did new.No shim.Point is you dont know what you have till you measure clearance yourself.Installing destroked pistons in an undecked block sends deck height to negative quench.

 

Had a brand new gasket.. it works great still