[jpnovak]

I think I have an easy way to measure piston to valve clearance. It occurred to me when I had a head disassembled on the bench that it would be easy to use this as a piston to valve clearance tool. One could rotate the engine to TDC. Then use a head with valves but no springs.

Bolt this semi-naked head onto the engine and mount a dial indicator to the end of the valve stem. Next, simply push down on the valve until it bumps the piston and measure the distance. Subtract out the lift of your cam and you should now have the piston to valve clearance.

What do you all think?

The only issue I see is how much material was removed from the head when refinished. You should get this spec when you get head work done and this could easily be factored into the equation.