C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Timing for my 87 Vette

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Old Oct 21, 2025 | 12:01 AM
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Default Timing for my 87 Vette

I have question. ....I installed new rings, rod bearings, timing set and 1.6 roller rockers
Which valve is supposed to be opening on #1 when the engine is being started?
To clarify, when #1 cylinder is at TDC with the timing marks lined up per the Corvette manual, which valve is ready to open, the intake or exhaust?
.

Last edited by 09Grandcaravan; Oct 21, 2025 at 05:53 PM. Reason: Clarify the post
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Old Oct 21, 2025 | 08:09 AM
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Your going to have to re-word your question as I can't get a picture of what your asking. When the engine is being started all the valves are opening and closing. At top dead center (combustion stroke) on #1 everything should be closed / up. There is some small overlap I think on the exhaust stroke on L98.
If Your asking about which are which you can use the "W" of your exhaust manifold and see it is E II EE II E . But I am pretty sure your not asking that.

Last edited by Vets-Vet; Oct 21, 2025 at 08:33 AM.
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Old Oct 21, 2025 | 05:47 PM
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What I want to know is which valve is supposed to be opening when the engine is @ TDC when thw dots are lined up on the timing gears.
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Old Oct 21, 2025 | 09:49 PM
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When you are at TDC on valve overlap the intake valve is just starting to open and the exhaust valve is closing.
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Old Oct 22, 2025 | 07:50 AM
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Think this through and make sure everyone is on the same page. I am not a professional mechanic so terminology is important here. AS FAR AS I KNOW, IN MY OPINION,

Top Dead Center is anytime the piston is at the top. This occurs twice per combustion cycle, compression stroke and exhaust stroke. On the Compression stroke (#1 cylinder), which is where we time our L98 engines, NO VALVE IS OPENING. Why would you open a valve just as combustion is occuring ??????

On the exhaust stroke TDC, the exhaust valve is just closing and the intake valve is just opening.

Also, the timing marks line up on both #1 cylinder compression and exhaust TDC's.

When we talk timing, we are talking about TDC on the compression stroke.
.
.

Last edited by Vets-Vet; Oct 22, 2025 at 07:56 AM.
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Old Oct 22, 2025 | 08:04 AM
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Old Oct 22, 2025 | 08:50 AM
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Originally Posted by 09Grandcaravan
I have question. ....I installed new rings, rod bearings, timing set and 1.6 roller rockers
Which valve is supposed to be opening on #1 when the engine is being started?
To clarify, when #1 cylinder is at TDC with the timing marks lined up per the Corvette manual, which valve is ready to open, the intake or exhaust?
.
Despite your "clarification", your post is a bit confusing still. Are you asking this question just for ***** and giggles or is it in relation to you setting your valve lash? You may be lumping two procedures together. To be honest, despite many, many engine builds, I have never even had that question cross my mind because it is irrelevant. At this stage, it's not something to GAF about. If you have the dots on the timing gears lined up correctly, put the cover on and the dampener. Done. Now line up the timing mark on the dampener as per the post Vets-Vet made and adjust 8 valves as per the manual. Turn engine one complete revolution and adjust the other 8. Done.
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Old Oct 22, 2025 | 09:23 AM
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When the engine is at TDC on cylinder #1 both valves are closed (The engine is on the start of the power stroke). As the engine starts to rotate the exhaust valve will start to open by BDC.

If you have valves open at TDC you have the engine you are 1 turn off on your firing sequence, rotate the engine 1 full revolution and now both valves should be closed, and you can set your timing.
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Old Oct 22, 2025 | 01:55 PM
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Originally Posted by 09grandcaravan
what i want to know is which valve is supposed to be opening when the engine is @ tdc when thw dots are lined up on the timing gears.
@ TDC for timing purposes, NONE ON COMPRESSION STROKE !!

Last edited by Vets-Vet; Oct 22, 2025 at 03:32 PM.
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