AllCammedUp

Everyone,

I'm getting pretty close to firing my new motor back up, and I've still got to set the timing and adjust the valves before I start it up for the first time.

Thing is, I'm not going to be able to adjust the valves 'hot' like the manual says, so what does everyone recommend that I adjust the valves to cold?

In regards to the initial timing - what should I set it at for best performance? I know 5* BDC is what the manual and the truck sticker on the hood recommends, but is that the best setting for performance? I'm more interested in what makes the truck run right. If the stock settings are the best, then I'll just use them.

Thanks!!

MTL_4runner

I would leave between .006" and .011" when cold for the initial setup. Safer to have too much that too little (it will just tick a lot at startup). Do NOT leave it that way once you get it fired up...it is very important that once you get the engine hot that you go back and readjust them to factory specs per your manual. Failing to do so can cause burnt valves (you don't want that on a new motor). Good luck with it.

AllCammedUp

Thanks for the recommendations! I actually set the valves at 0.007" and 0.011" (intake/exhaust) cold and fired it up. It sounded really well. I then re-checked them hot at .008/.012 and the feeler gauge drug as it slid, so I left them alone. The motor is not noisy (figuratively speaking), so does everyone think I'm ok, or should I readjust?

I also set the timing (with the connector jumpered ) to 5* BTDC per the sticker on the underside of the hood. Is there any power to be gained from going with some other setting? My best friend always told me to gain HP you advance and to gain torque you retard... what should I do? Is there benefit from advancing/retarding until spark knock and then back off? I didn't know if the factory recommendation was 'conservative' either way.

Thanks!!