I have an Isky Model: 301444 cam in my 312. I’m wondering if anyone out there might have one and if so what your timing is set at. Also Isky recommended a hot valve lash of .015. I assume that would translate to .016 cold, am I correct?

1955 312 T-Bird Warwick, NY

I have an Isky 301333 cam in my Y-Block.  It's slightly hotter than the 301444. When I degreed my cam, it was spot on so I installed it straight up.  I set my lash according to the Isky specs, which in my case is .020" hot.  If I were you, I would start at .018" cold and readjust to .015" with the engine at operating temperature.   I set my timing at 36 degrees total and run premium unleaded gas.  Isky has many years of Y-Block experience..  Their cams and components are top quality. 

Thanks Phil.

1955 312 T-Bird Warwick, NY

Phil, did you receive my pm regarding banjo steering wheel? Although message sent was confirmed, I've not had much luck with pm and email.

I'm sorry, I didn't notice it.  I replied to your message.

That would be the Isky E-4 camshaft which is a nice upgrade to the 1957 camshaft.  I have that particular camshaft on the catalogue specified 108° lobe centerline angle in my ’55 Ford Customline with a 0.020” over 272 engine and original ECG heads.  The ignition timing at idle is 10-12° BTDC and the engine has the 1957 and up distributor which is using ported vacuum rather than direct vacuum.  That camshaft now has almost 200K miles on it and is holding up fine.  I do check the valve lash at 40K mile intervals which is the same time as I install new spark plugs and check the ignition timing.  Valve lash is always consistent so there’s nothing going on in the valve train to be worried about.
 
During that first 100K miles the valve lash was varied everywhere from 0.015” to 0.025”.  While tha camshaft rumble was more noticeable at 0.015” lash, there was an off idle hesitation that required a larger accelerator pump shot and some smaller high-speed air bleeds in the carburetor.  The best fuel mileage was with 0.025” valve lash but the valve train was on the noisy side even with the Thunderbird aluminum valve covers.  For the last 100K miles or so, the lash has been at 0.019” which is a happy spot for sound, driving, fuel mileage, etc.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Hi Ted, is the 0.019 lash on your E-4 the cold setting, and thank you so much for your help.

1955 312 T-Bird Warwick, NY

All my valve lash settings would be ‘Hot’ unless stated otherwise.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

The rocker arms on my 312 have an adjusting screw and 5/8s locknut. It’s a nightmare trying to keep the screw from turning while tightening the locknut. I saw a video of a fellow adjusting his valve lash with just the turn of a socket type wrench. Does anyone know where I can get this type of adjustment setup?

1955 312 T-Bird Warwick, NY

I have one, but don’t remember where it was obtained.  It has no brand/logo ID marking (only the 5/8 designation).  Looks like a newer tool though (not vintage) since the handle has a rubber cover.  Merely a 12 point box wrench with a 2” offset & 6” handle, and a half inch screwdriver-receiver barrel molded into the offset and positioned directly above the 12 point box.  I HAVE seen similar vintage tools with a (‘T’ handle?) screwdriver built in, which must have been commonly available before Ford came out with the hex-head adjusting screw.  Try searching eBay on a regular basis.  Like P&G gappers, they likely still turn up occasionally.
BTW: How is it you have a 312, but still have the old style slotted screws?

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA