Initial valve adjustment

[TurboFource]

Is it ok to the initial valve lash adjustment for a Twin Cam on the bench?

Then of course following up after it has been started and ran a couple hundred miles?

[4129R]

I don't understand your question.

Are you talking about the tightness of the timing chain, or the tappet gap between the cam and the cam bucket?

[TurboFource]

Valve lash

[4129R]

Valve lash

Valve lash is the available clearance (or gap) between the rocker arm and the tip of the valve stem when the lifter for that valve is sitting on the base circle of the cam lobe (when the valve is intended to be fully closed).

In the UK I have always known that as tappet clearance or valve clearance, i.e. the gap between the cam lobe and the cam bucket.

If you don't get the gap right before starting the engine IMHO you risk burning out the valves seats, the valves hitting the pistons, and all sorts of expensive nasties.

[jbcollier]

Bench setting the valve clearances is best practice.  If the seats and valves are cut correctly and concentrically, it won't change.

That said, BE CAREFUL.  Because you are only moving one cam at a time, it possible for the valves to hit and bend.  I would fit and adjust one cam at a time to avoid the issue.

[TurboFource]

Thanks JB! Thought this would be easier done before installing the head!