Piston and valve interaction Get a personal and inside look at what the valve and piston are doing.

In this video you will first hand see where the valve and piston are in relationship to each other dictated by the camshaft and rocker arm ratio. You will also see what's important to have your valve reliefs done correctly.

[@SalterRacingEngines]

HEY EVERYBODY SOMEBODY POINTED OUT MY FLAG IS BACKWARDS AND I JUST WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW THE REASON IT'S THAT WAY IS BECAUSE THAT DOOR HAS A GIANT WINDOW THAT FACES THE MAIN ROAD SO IT'S TURNED THAT WAY SO IT WON'T BE BACKWARDS TO THE PUBLIC. BUT I'M GLAD THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT KNOW THAT ABOUT OUR FLAG.

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

There's no backside of our flag as far as I'm concerned.

[@ChrisS-oo6fl]

The irony of people stressing about it while also (typically) hanging an American flag manufactured overseas with materials, eyelets and dyes from the same locations like China, Vietnam, India, Twain…etc. Then, hanging them with imported hardware, materials and mounting brackets. Worse yet, they wear American flag swag manufactured overseas. Some wear “all over print” American flag underwear and shirts or support that black flag with a blue stripe across it which are essentially desecrated versions of the flag. Anyway, thanks for this video. The visualization was extremely helpful for multiple reasons besides just demonstrating the concept of tapering the brow. These types of informative videos are appreciated and we are great full for the time and effort it takes to produce them.

[@Twogreenfeet]

Noticed your hoodies looked great horizontal but not vertical a few videos ago. Thanks for being a true American and caring!

[@johnelliott4521]

Increased flow decreased chance of detotonation WIN WIN

[@alexgillies4183]

Thanks for taking the time to set up that demo, it was nice to actually see how close the valve was getting at different positions! You may have saved a few guys from "kissing pistons".

[@guyst-pierre9259]

Please stop wasting your time and energy arguing stupid keyboard warriors leaving comments... You are giving awesome information and share years of experience, don't worry about the dumbasses, they don't deserve any of your precious time. Thanks for your dedication educating us gearheads to help us build better engines. French Canadian here watching from the north shore of Lake Champlain, 5 miles of the border at the line separating Vermont from New York... ⚜️🇨🇦

[@TimothyArnott-m7z]

I cudnt agree with you more......I was gonna send a comment sayin same...BRIAN, SOFA WARRIORS DONT do a thing but aggeivate us that DO know!!!!....yea, its gonna hurt cyl flow.....UGH!!

[@malcolmshaw2609]

Many thanks for doing this. The physical representation of what’s happening in the cylinder is a fantastic eye opener 😮

[@williamstel9330]

Brian I can see that there is a lot of details involved building a great racing engine, and a great cam has a certain amount to being able to win and details have a really large part to finishing. Thank you thank you for your willingness to open up on your many years of valuable experience.

[@ajforms4818]

Excellent video.

[@claytonclester1762]

Appreciatte you taking the time to answer my camshaft questions today. Thanks again!!

[@SalterRacingEngines]

Thanks man I appreciate that

[@BruceRichards-l5u]

Wow, you are the first machinist that agrees with me about .040" piston to cyl head with a steel rod. I check my valve to piston the same way you are showing in the video. I'm just an old retired guy that put together a few good engines. Thanks so much for the great videos.

[@aquapneumatics]

Not a waste of time! Attention to detail matters! Thank you for your schooling!

[@RussellCompton-fh3gr]

dude one of the best demos ive seen,,,,thanks a ton

[@johngeddes7894]

Incredible resource offered for free. Thank you!

[@VGHCX]

Nice setup you have there. You can actually see the valve to piston relationship for the given cam profile. Keep these good videos coming.

[@rogerpatton-zr7qd]

The quench is improved with the eye brow opened up. An better control of the burn for increased power

[@rolandotillit2867]

Showing us how the valve and valve seat form the venturi nozzle makes things much clearer!

[@Adrenacyde]

10K is quickly approaching. With content like THIS, it'll be in the rearview in short order. Take care.

[@cs2-llc]

Incredible content Brian. Thanks so much and congrats on a strong showing on the cam challenge! This is the stuff NO ONE ever shares.

[@pontiac411]

Good display by the way. As a visual learner it helps a lot to see what I am hearing.

[@barryfoster6265]

I want to say this is the first time I seen the head split so I could see everything going on……. I think that was cool as sh!t!!! And damn that’s CLOSE…… probably could squeeze a dang hair in there. Awesome video

[@goldsgarage8236]

Great video Brian. I hope your viewers appreciate the work required to create the awesome illustrations and organize the data to enable you to make your points. I am an engine builder, and I learned a lot. .040" is also my minimum PTV clearance. 200 plus hours to build a race engine, most people don't appreciate the time it takes to pay attention to details like this, but that is the difference between winning and losing. AG

[@chevyrc3623]

That valve desrouding thing you did to the piston is a very cool idea i will try to do that to my engine next time because in our 2 barrel application i think every little bit of detail matters and every little things help and once all those little things combined can gain quite a bit so again thank you for sharing your details

[@jeffwooton7138]

Another insightful video. I have a dirt car with very restrictive rules. All these tricks will come in handy. Please keep them up.

[@chriszucker7500]

Excellent demonstration and explanation. The visual setup exceeded my expectations. Your students have an amazing opportunity learning from you!

[@andrewburlock2653]

Hi. Thanks for the demo. I didn't realize that the piston was (or could be) so close to the piston for so long. It really does show how important the valve relief modification is. Andrew

[@jarlnieminen4307]

I already understood this very well but that demonstration was great.

[@jarebb1]

I’ve been waiting for some more Salter Racing tips n tricks. Thank you again sir and god bless you and your family.

[@Jack-n1u5j]

Thank you for sharing our experience and knowledge. Makes so much sense. Thankyou peace

[@rogerpaulll1451]

Very good video makes me laugh when knuckle heads question a master builder's advice I wish I saw this sooner

[@No1414body]

Great information Brian, I noticed that you didn't have the 045 clearance at TDC b but point well taken. Could n really see it at 10 degrees ATDC it is hard to get flow across the short side at low lifts

[@poisnd1]

Wow, killer display, brings to light the importance of timing/build setups

[@kennyrmurray]

People like to act like they know what they’re talking about that’s how we came up with the saying “know it alls”. And I hate sheetrock and woodworking also. I’m on Long Island NY and had a foot of water in my house from Sandy and that sucked!! I had to cut 2’ up in every room. Good thing my house is a small 3 bedroom lol. Great videos and thank you!

[@llewellynquay9463]

I've only ever built SBF and SBC 2/4wd Street/Offroad Pickup motors--*5500rpm screamers!*---I know, LAME. But I still appreciate these detailed Vids you put out! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@Red9GearHeads]

The majority of us are incredibly thankful that your sharing decades of proven information. Some of these fellas argue just for the sake of trying to get your goat. I question at times whether they’re even people or just miss aligned robots?

[@johncallahan2164]

Great video!!! Awesome illustration model. Much appreciated.

[@terrysmith8133]

good vid

[@realazliving]

Thanks Brian. Great explanation.

[@bruceschneider4359]

Something you didn't mention: Putting in bigger valves gets the piston to valve clearance even tighter. So much to be gained by seeing inside the engine, particularly the combustion chamber. This also shows why standing the valves up straighter helps to unshroud them. You mentioned 'one of your students'. Are you working with your local high school or vocational/ tech school? Kudos

[@richardmoerke9329]

Brian!!! That was killer. You know what you were saying BUT that makes it real brother! Wow I love it. I wish I wasn’t so old now! I would love to do another motor now with all your tips. I’m not saying it’s going to give me 1000 hp but will definitely make it run better and last I would think for sure. The key board people. Just walk away Brian. Us other people need you to much. Thank you for all your hard work. You,DV, Andy,and Eric and some other should get together and make a motor. Don’t stress over the arm chair pros . We need you to much. Thank you again.

[@tc263]

This really drives the concepts home you’ve been articulating in the previous videos. Thank you for sharing this knowledge for free. I’m subscribed and I always like. Turned my fellow CT engine builder friend on to your channel.

[@tc263]

The first video you did for the cam challenge was how I gained exposure to the channel. I hope your subscriber numbers take off because this content is valuable.

[@randallmason9687]

Plenty of big block drag race engines use a similar technique. All of the sharp edges on the piston dome are smoothed over, and a little notch carved out to index the spark plug.

[@ThomasMurrell-zb5vg]

Keep up the videos I'm learning something new every time, exp Especially that the only ones that doubt you are just Jealous and wish they was as good as you are.

[@markbogle8062]

Thank you for infor

[@PeggyParrow]

Very good presentation, i learned something, hope the nay sayers did also !

[@v1-vr-rotatev2-vy_vx31]

The after TDC clearances is informative

[@steviestevie366]

Excellent!! video, impressive demonstration

[@bengibson8778]

Awesome video

[@GrandPitoVic]

Awesome info sir!!! Thank you sir!!! The visuals are awesome.

[@j.finesseflights1403]

Oops!! Thats what my piston looks like in my gx200 clone engine! I assembled a ratio rod engine that +.008 pop-up and a .032 copper gasket using a forged alloy rod. I'm new and slowly learning, thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@rogerpatton-zr7qd]

It makes scent to open that eye brow. An smooth out chads. The eye brow allows for better fuel expansion and burn control. Makes hp

[@MichaelScudder72]

That was a good video. Nice hand crafting. Whether it's welded surfaces or engine building, sharp edges on metal are no good. It seems like that piston valve pocket created a wall around the valve head as it opened and laying it back removed that wall.

[@CurtissRobert]

Great illustration !

[@MsKatjie]

Hot Damm, Brian; love your stuff. The cut out was unreal. I listern for what it's worth and I am sure others do too. Regards. Shame you don't do 335 series Fords.

[@charlessagona4582]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@jimkillen1065]

I appreciate your videos..

[@derickmorgan4956]

Awsome content !!! Thank you !!!

[@rayowens4355]

Food for thought! Very interesting! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@bryanspanjer3213]

Great video! I was stumped on this topic when I was putting together my GEN three 392 hemi. I installed a slightly larger cam and was seeing that I was only getting.030"clearance on the intake. That was using a lifter that I made to be fully extended. I was not sure how much relief the hydraulic lifter would add once the valve springs were in picture. I was so worried that I actually drove out of state and dropped it off to a guy who I believe left it just as it was and it runs great. I still don't know the answer though.

[@MrBilly334]

Tack!

[@basketballcory2]

Just wanted to say that these videos are appreciated. This demonstration was really helpful. I'm definitely a visual type of guy so I thank you for that. that being said, would you have made this video if people didn't doubt what you said? Either way, I'm glad ya did.

[@Shademax4273]

Mind blown again 😮. Thank you👍

[@rogerpatton-zr7qd]

It seems the head to piston distance containing more propulsion in the chamber. Better power

[@gregmcnamara2563]

Here’s an idea for a video. Compare forged and Hypereutectic pistons. Clearances, ring gaps. Strengths and weaknesses. Power levels and piston speeds, etc.

[@rogerpatton-zr7qd]

It makes scent to open that eye brow. An smooth out chads.

[@adamholmes3135]

Thanks for the work. Great presentation. This brings up a few questions in my mind. As the intake valve opens, the air passage changes more than I had visualized previously. Initially, the low side of the valve is absolutely shrouded. As stroke continues, low side becomes the path of least resistance as the high side can get affected by the side of head combustion chamber. Maybe. Seems that could change our flow characteristics of the intake port/runner in relation to valve events. I've got a flow bench I put together with some high velocity vacuum cleaner motors. (Thanks, David Vizzard!) I'm going to make sure my set-up has a sleave that mirrors my cylinder dia. to ensure proper geometry. I've always guessed there could be some horsepower to be had. But seeing your presentation has been eye-opening. Not sure why. Thought no. 2: When you're looking at the chamber, how much care do you put into the shape of the head gasket at the hole? Is there anything on the table there?

[@JC-gw3yo]

I believe Smokey Yunicks spirit lives on in Brian

[@autonomous_collective]

Well done....🏁🏁

[@peterolson8350]

Very intressting

[@johndevries8759]

It would have been a bit more helpful visually if the valve seat had been installed, and you did mention the .04'' quench but that would also have been more real world it you had incorporated it into your demo. What this did illustrate very plainly was how important short side flow really is because the valve is less shrouded where you rolled the valve pocket back on the piston than it is on the chamber side of the head. Also don't take it personally if a question is asked for clarification on your thinking process, that just means we value what your experience has taught you. thanks for the demo.

[@MichaelScudder72]

It would seem that the increase in cylinder head flow from smoothing out and laying back that valve pocket canceled out any loss in compression ratio because you filled the cylinder with a little more air mixture

[@jaygooch1190]

What would you run your piston to head clearance on a 6000rpm stock rod engine

[@markmcmullen1371]

Well explained, thank you 👍👍👍

[@gregorymarch91]

I noticed on your chart that piston position(s) ATDC were farther down the bore than at the same crank degrees BTDC. Why is that? Great demonstration. Thanks

[@MichaelScudder72]

This was very eye opening

[@jcnpresser]

Engine building gold!

[@GaryWhipple-q6w]

Always used Clay so can get the radial clearance

[@bobcuomo5122]

Great information......thank you

[@timothythomas1737]

Been there with the witness masks before. ❤

[@BruceRichards-f2v]

I tried radius on the valve relief.On this sbc build I'm doing.

[@rogerpatton-zr7qd]

If one runs the head gasket so close would it be good ideal To replace gasket often

[@pontiac411]

Visually it looks like that part between the valve reliefs should be removed or heavily tapered to give the air at the back of the valve a path into the center of the chamber.

[@CJ5EVOLUTION]

Have you assembled hemi race engines, Or only wedge type engines? Nice cross sectional presentation.

[@therocketshop]

Thanks Brian for this great video, my question is, what tool do you use for actually doing the mods on the pistons you showed ? I'm close to assembling a drag race BBC and i actually want to reduce the compression a little and help flow if i can. My pistons have a 40cc dome and i want to reduce CR from about 13.8 to under 13.5 with the fuel i am using. I know i can simply install a thicker head gasket but piston work may help me more ? thanks again.

[@fredflinstone4663]

Awesome video again Brian!! I have a question for the master please? For a 302 windsor rebuild with forged scat rods mahle forged pistons all studed block, 3/4 filled hard blok. Is .027" quench cylinder head to block, too tight for a street use 5000rpm slugger? I know 35 thousands would be sweet.. But is this just too risky?

[@Shademax4273]

Even if the mods cost some cfm or HP the benefits of preignition resistance alone make it worth it to me. Aint gonna make no power with rods hanging out the block😂

[@GaryWhipple-q6w]

Where did you place in the Cam contest?

[@BruceRichards-l5u]

I blended the intake valve pockets on the sbc I'm building right now. I have a picture but don't know how to attach it here.

[@SalterRacingEngines]

@@BruceRichards-l5u you can't [e-mail]

[@samstewart4807]

Hi, your cut away is a real 2x4 upside the head. I think you should offer free 2 foot long 2x4s to anyone who thinks you are wrong- Maybe you should autograph the 2x4 too? 60? yrs ago, Smokey Yunick had a flow bench that included the entire engine. MAYBE?? he saw the same thing 60? yrs ago?? and lol I am sure you have never done any flow work with the piston like we see it in your model- lol R.E the cam challenge, I wonder if. maybe the difference between how you set up pistons etc AND the way Eric had HIS ENGINE set up influenced your cam spec choice ????- Like Rosana dana said, it is always something else..

[@yolocah]

I'm assembling a caddy 500 and you can be certain I'll be checking valve clearance at 7 and 10 degrees. you constantly put out high quality information .Next engine build is a ford 289 or 302 (you mentioned that you are building one for your son)any advice on a cam for a street brawler engine.

[@scottosborne8735]

I also follow Ben Alameda. I think the 351 Cleveland might be an open chamber cylinder head. I have no experience with them. Do you ever build engines that do not incorporate quench? Is quench just relocated to piston crown with open chambers?

[@MsKatjie]

Never ever nerver use open; shit, garbage heads, never ever. ever!!!!!!

[@Red9GearHeads]

Brian do you feel this would be a worthwhile effort for a guy building a low and midrange power big block truck engine?

[@noahnichols6385]

could you have taken divider out of piston or would that up set exhaust

[@jamest.5001]

I don't like the sharp edges as peaks left from making the valve relieve to start with. The reliefs can totally shroud the valve . If clearances are tight enough!

[@ziggyortiz37]

I’m curious of what could be done on a engine that uses 5 valves per cylinder

[@rogerpatton-zr7qd]

So after tdc the valve is opening to allow fuel and air

[@pazsion]

what do you mean by eyebrows of a piston and rolling them?

[@pazsion]

16:00 oh wow you port matched the inset of this particular piston 😮

[@pazsion]

kinda hard to imagine is it intake or exhaust, what is crankshaft position, which cycle is it in 😅 if your intake valve is open during compression before ignite, your losing compression and forcing fuel up into the intake side. but on exhaust side, and bdc the heat energy begins pushing out the burned exhaust ❤ before the piston starts rising. if done right and timing correct... the chamber will be under vacumme before the intake side opens on the draw down! adding that volume of air! maybe 5-20cc depending on size of cylnder and how long its open before the compression stroke. it will add dynamic compression too. maybe 2psi. i havent tested it yet. 😊

[@ericwright5419]

Are you only cutting the intake valve relief

[@SalterRacingEngines]

@@ericwright5419 yes

[@ericwright5419]

@@SalterRacingEngines Thanks

[@rolandtamaccio3285]

Been working on or considering this aspect for 54 years ; however not to your depth of investigation . Also giver mucho thought to cam design or placement with that intake valve chasing the piston . In 1970 did a refresh on a NHRA nat record holder , and it had toooo much valve to piston clearance , but wasn't bad on compression because it had 461 cubes . Looked at it real hard and the only extra thing I could find was this had maybe better flow on overlap .

[@rolandtamaccio3285]

Btw , amazing cut-a-way and incremental ° degrees , beyond my visulation ,,, !

[@patrickwendling6759]

Thank you for your knowledge and videos TRUMP USA 🇺🇸 MAGA 2024

[@baims8367]

💥💪🏻🏁

[@chevyrc3623]

Wow this a very detailed and I learned a lot from it. So thank you for sharing your information. I do got a question about compression ratio though I heard 2 sides of the coin now I don't know if this has to do with engine displayment like big vs small engine or 2 barrel application or whatever the case is. I hear that 14.5:1 compression if you go higher than that you won't gain much or nothing or much loose. But yet 410 sprint cars engine are well over 16:1 compression and make 950 to 1000hp. So what do I believe plus 360 sprint car engine I guess are 14.50:1. So I don't understand so I wonder what compression ratio you would target I run a 2 barrel 360 non wing spec sprint and gonna run 50cc chamber iron heads so wonder if I go 15:1 compression would that be ok. I wasn't sure. Another thing to you just scared me about my own engine since decking was mest up 1 bank is .032 clearance and other bank is .043 cleaning because they didn't check before decking. So I rev my engine over 8000rpm or try to lately it hasn't been doing that but luckily only 1 race left so I am afraid my piston is touching the head but I am wanting to take it apart and re do it Eric Weingartner didn't like the head anyway because of how mest up they were

[@SalterRacingEngines]

@@chevyrc3623 as long as you get the right octane I would crank the compression up there but the key is that camshaft is going to be critical with compression that high. If I knew all the details about your engine I can help you with your camshaft choice

[@chevyrc3623]

@@SalterRacingEngines so like I said iam planning to redo my whole my engine to make it better for me t year so our max cubic inch is 367 2 barrel, any camshaft, unlimited compression, iron heads and block and basically everything else is open

[@chevyrc3623]

@@SalterRacingEngines alcohol we run

[@SalterRacingEngines]

@@chevyrc3623 if the engine was being built by me the chambers would be mirror-polished when I was through with all my head work the Piston tops would also be mirror polished is lateral gas porting and double pin oilers and also a couple different coatings and what side to side on my compression ratio I would then choose my ring package Due to the fact you're running an Ironhead your intake manifold is going to be a fairly limited so I would spend some money there for sure what size 2 barrel are you allowed to run

[@SalterRacingEngines]

That's supposed to say once I decide on my compression ratio I would choose my piston ring package