The ULTIMATE GUIDE For Adjusting Valve Lash On Your 99-05 Miata!

Hey guys, this is probably something that a lot of NB owners don't even know about, and it only takes about 30 minutes and $5 to check the valves and see if you're within spec! I'm stoked that my issue is fixed, at least for now... hahaha. Thanks for watching!
All additional information and links can be found here:
www.thecarpassionchannel.com/...
Has one of my videos ever motivated you to head into the garage and finish your project or saved you hundreds of dollars in labor? Consider buying me a gallon of E85! www.buymeacoffee.com/carpassion
Music:
Yomoti - Second Side (Epidemic Sound)
Otis McDonald - Not For Nothing ( • Otis McDonald - Not Fo... )

[@Girz0r]

This info is GOLD & Worthy of a MT sticky.

[@ohboyotero]

Dude... Wow. I mean forget the material itself. This was a really well-thought-out, well-made video. You did an awesome job explaining and making a super boring-ass, tedious topic as interesting as it could be. Editing was great. Good camera work. Demos/visualizations were great. Killer. Nice work, man. The effort you put in really shows.

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

This comment makes me feel like I hit every mark I was shooting for, thank you. It's been a long time since I've made one of these and I miss it, I get the most enjoyment from creating this type of video as it's the type of work I really enjoy doing, and teaching too. Cheers!

[@jamesstone3767]

Agreed!

[@1987RX7TII]

Dude. The Miata community Is so fortunate to have your contributions as a resource. Thank you for putting out such high quality content.

[@jmpcrx]

Miata dad now upgraded to miata God.

[@Thepursuitofomar]

Bro I was hella weak when u were surprised it picked up the letters, that's when when I think something is funny and i explain to my friends and they dont understand

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Lmaooo then it's just like *silence and blank stares ".......never mind"

[@sjorsangevare]

@@TheCarPassionChannel I was entertained! Idk I just dont know how you could not think that was cool haha

[@FiveFiveGarage]

Bruh, I had a trigger moment when you had that shim on the magnetic pickup tool. Last time I did that, bumped my hand and dropped the shim into the motor I was working on 😱

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Omfgggg the feels

[@darkrage1138]

One of my favorite parts about this channel is how incredibly specific you are with what models the repairs you're doing are valid for. Really helps to clear up any of that "is this for the right engine" confusion.

[@xXmitchfkXx]

Greg I love that you manage to capture and share those little moments with us, like how the cam lobes picked up the letter/numbers and why. I had no idea shims rotated till today. Keep up the high quality vids. Love it!

[@dwergmaster]

"That's how it's supposed to sound" Hahaha good that you confirm this. was actually suspecting your exhaust is broken af

[@nickwild7]

Since everyone's failed me and havent said it. That's what she said......

[@4399daniel]

Literally sold my 99 Miata because I had this problem. If only I’d been patient enough to find a video like this. Miata dad is the hero we all need but don’t deserve!

[@ZockelTV]

Hi Greg I would like to mention that a pretty big problem is the cooling of the valve that doesnt close all the way. Because if it doesnt have a solid contact to the head, it cant transfer heat to it wich can result in melted valves. Good thing you caught it that early:D

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

That's what I meant by "cooling issue" but I didn't elaborate, working a little too fast maybe

[@ZockelTV]

​@@TheCarPassionChannel Oh, sorry i must have missed it^^

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

@@ZockelTV it's all good this video is way too long to listen to every word 😂

[@tonyroma9046]

@@TheCarPassionChannel Not that critical really... just watch the video 5 times and every bit of info you put into it will be revealed. Plus we can back up and run over it again as needed. Not only do I learn something every time, I'm often shown other things yet to be learned that I had no clue of. I didn't realize the differences between a micrometer and a caliper for example so I stopped the vid and looked into it. This is the first motor I've had that uses shims to adjust the valves and this video really turned the lights on for me. And researching where to get shims is truth from the trenches. It just doesn't get more real than that.

[@TheJohnb35711]

classic CarPassionChannel content

[@Chaz393]

I've always taken adjustable rockers for granted. I had no idea it was this much of a pain to adjust lash on some engines. Next time I have to check lash on any of my engines (all have adjustable rockers) I'll remember how easy I have it

[@benschroeder1052]

A Car Passion Channel video today? Maybe give me the confidence to pull the trigger on my FM turbo kit.

[@travismooney3224]

Ben Schroeder do it!!!!

[@roberturban5135]

the biggest issue with tight clearance is on an exhaust valve! If the valve head doesn't make good contact with the seat, it has no way to dissipate heat and will eventually burn a valve. Must be mentioned!

[@Spear911]

Not gonna lie, I love the 3 Cylinder sound. When my 4th gen prelude skipped timing it sounded bad ass when idling and revving... Loss of power was not great tho haha

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Just put in some big cams, sounds about the same lol

[@Spear911]

@@TheCarPassionChannel that's the plan when I finish my K swap for my miata haha! Deciding between drag cartel 2.2 and 3.2 cams or prayoonto 4

[@kzam374]

Thanks for this, I slapped together my 99 head with no intention of checking for valve lash ❤️❤️😂

[@farmerbobbygrows3338]

Least you didn't slap a whole turbo on before🤣 gotta get a compression test and check my valve lash before I even order the som bitch

[@kloroformd]

Checked my lash at 120k on my 2003. Perfect specs all the way.

[@alexisknows6513]

Did you do a compression test? What psi did you get? Thanks a head of time.

[@JustKyzuuh]

Excellent video as always! You should check the compression numbers again for comparison's sake!

[@MrDjcamo29]

Being an OG Miata owner is the best. 🇯🇵⭕️1989⭕️🇯🇵

[@garageworm17]

Had a 97sto. 96. and now 95. All tan leather interior 😁

[@123cocopie]

Tickticktickticktick

[@bautistavazquez6295]

It's funny how I'm a vw guy drive a vr6 12v gti VW tech but still love seeing all this stuff just for that day u buy a miata... one day

[@jerZcavy4120]

Proud of you CRAIG, seriously a great video man, keep up the good work!

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

You never disappoint. Nice work. I watched you build that engine.

[@DJimeku]

thanks man, for another awesome video. I can't tell you how thankful I am that you take time to make these videos.

[@440Craig]

Did you check the compression again after the procedure?

[@38tech]

Damn dude, great video! Your channel is the reason why ill be picking up an nb2 this winter. Gotta live that miata life! Keep it up.

[@glenjohnson5809]

The info you compiled for the shims is epic thanks for all that work.

[@ZacharySound]

Best well explained Miata DIY video I have ever seen.

[@peterkobrin]

Great video and very informative. I am glad you showed the start to finish in one video. That's a great resource all in one video. Well done and thank you.

[@revlimiternet]

I have never checked my valve lash after installing the head... like 10 years ago. Doh.

[@c10seth]

This is another great video, Greg. It's great because you can use the same approach for motorcycles! The sheets you made are a really good idea too. More power = more maintenance ;)

[@nie9000]

As a person with a 2002 NB who is planning to do the timing belt and valve cover this winter. This is great information that I will have to do a check on when I take it apart. Big thanks!

[@G3ML1NGZ]

when I was doing that same task when I built my engine I also had the writing transfer over to the cam. I was just as amazed by that as you were

[@eyeofthedriver]

This is seriously a high quality video, looking forward to tackling this next weekend!

[@robertpugh9252]

I’m blown away by the value you just provided to me free of charge. My 2000 Miata is sitting disassembled in the garage with a head gasket replacement in the works. It’s my first time doing this job so I was clueless how to properly check valve lash when it goes back together. I can’t thank you enough. Sub’d and liked!

[@urmother1893]

one dislike, one person saw this video too late and damage is already done.

[@TheWhiteBruceLee]

Ali Masood there’s always 7 dislikes on day 1-2. Halfway through the day let’s see where he’s at in a few hours

[@stevenjwagner]

Thank you for making the video and all the accompanying resources. Really good stuff in here. Your conversion alone is worth a donation. Just ordered all my new shims online from a Mazda dealer luckily! Many of the 3rd party vendors are out of stock. Awesome job!

[@gregryland1387]

This is Gold, I have new custom cams made and clearance is below manufacture specs but now I understand what the engine builder is saying, thank you so much for the education

[@samplsexamples6875]

Enormously helpful. I tried using a shim removal tool (as they do in my Haynes manual) but there was just not enough room to pull the shim past the removal tool itself. So I loosened up the cam caps as you suggested-did not need to de-tension the belt-and replaced 4 shims. No more than .003" off, but a world of difference. 2003 NB, smootheville, USA.

[@frankraymond4627]

I don’t even own my NA anymore, no Miata at all now, and I still watch your videos. I continue to learn and just enjoy your approach and attitude. Thanks for your dedication, time and efforts. Cheers!

[@daleabono3616]

This video is perfect timing (no pun intended), thank you. I just gave up on a 2003 sentra when I found it had 50psi to 70psi in 3 of 4 cylinders. You have revived hope!!

[@TheJem1311]

awesome man. great info. pretty cool how the cam picked up the ink off the shims 👍🏽

[@clubman13B]

Perfect description of the job ...love your work

[@jonathonabel1548]

I just bought an 02 miata a few weeks ago and I've had issues with all of the above! Thank you😅👌🏼

[@jeremiahgaskins7205]

I started doing this when I was planning a 99 head swap on my NA8 to build a ITB NA. Spent 2 days measuring, calculating and verifying. On the 3rd day I did the math and found it was easier to just add boost! But it was a good learning opportunity.

[@Okibi5]

Great how to guide Greg! Thanks for all the awesome content.

[@j.w.motorsports]

The bit about the Nissan shims and Toyota shims was dope, I work at a Nissan shop and Toyota is next door. CarPassionChannel coming in clutch for the shim hook up for my BP4W!! 👌

[@davidvanbronkhorst5609]

Super professional video, thanks for the effort. Will be checking my lash this week as I replace timing belt etc. I cracked up at 25.25 ...first time I noticed that only the front half of the car is inside the garage....

[@kdmerkle]

GREAT job on this procedure. THANK YOU!

[@UnStupified]

Neat video, and the information about the rotation of the shims was interesting to know. I'm glad my b16 civic head has adjustable tappets, shims are annoying waiting for parts.

[@alejonin]

About to start doing this on my VVT head. Thanks for the info!

[@johnnyhess5672]

Just bought my first Miata. a 99 with 72k miles. I will be checking all valve clearances and getting after this project thanks to this video. Yes, I do have the ever annoying lifter tick and it irritates the hell out of me. Thank you!

[@brianward6291]

AWESOME video - thank you for the upload!

[@zacharyboone5846]

the greatest miata guide out there man. i have a 94 but still stopped to just listen and learn something. i had 0 experience of working on cars a year ago and your timing belt video helped me get my car up and running without paying mechanic prices🙏🙏 (just took me like 2 weeks) lmao.

[@nagrain]

LOL @ 19:58, Hudini in the making. Love this, I'm learning so much and don't mind the length of the video at all. I'm currently working with the Protege 2001-2003 FS engine though, but a lot of this information are applicable.

[@joshh299]

Just spent $160 on shims.... Happy to have you do most the work for me at least. Thank!

[@TheDevonwurz]

I needed this

[@raviolitrail]

This video is SOOOO satisfying.

[@checkmatenate]

I followed your vacuum test after lapping the valves. Now I need to lash my valves, unfortunately I mixed them all up so but it should be a good learning experience putting it back together correctly and measuring it properly.

[@rhunt2363]

Thanks Miata dad! Now I feel confident adjusting the lash on my k24

[@jimybo20]

Legendary video. Well done mate.

[@kevinroberts9096]

Man, you are A MASTER on Miata!

[@tylersatterfield2379]

This was an awesome video and all the links are great. Thank you

[@Bbeavis]

Nice guide, well done.

[@jackmarks1852]

Great information for me since this is the very first foreign engine & overhead valve engine I have worked on,, i'm a small block chevy guy, but my grandson just purchased this 2000 Miata, and it's a leaker soi i pulled the engine and tranny out to reseal all the oil leaks, and found the valve lash on a couple valves out of spec's. havent had any luck finding shims that are needed, i need one shim at .150, and i don't think they ever made one that thick. i have the number 2 valve on the intake side with a .26 thousands gap. the lobe is the exact size as the rest of the lobes, so i'm a bit in the dark on why this gap is so big!

[@TheYz250fmf]

wow that did a wonders of a difference!!!!! great video!

[@alanszymczak6173]

Great Video Greg!!!

[@TheThecharliejolly]

You're the best Greg thanks for this 👏

[@FecesPhantom]

Also thank you for recapping with the side by side comparison!

[@koreyhobgood3367]

Quality content as always

[@Shadowfax2121]

Perfect timing! I am actually replacing my 94's head with a VVT head and need to do the shimming lol... Most likely when your engine gets hot, the aluminum expands enough to open that gap up a few thousandths.

[@Nebbia_affaraccimiei]

you mean close

[@dougsfan9984]

You are CRAZY Greg!!!!!! In a good way! You should be hired my Mazda to be Miata engineer! Your precision and attention to detail is fascinating.

[@TheAdatto]

Even Motorsport Electronics recommended your video on this topic. 💪🏽👌🏾

[@lewisdawson8607]

I made the mistake of not realising my 04 NB does not have hydraulic lifters. New shims it is. Weather is too crappy here in the UK and I don't have a garage to risk it myself. Thanks for the insights and professional video!

[@ReinierKorth]

Thanks Greg. Awesome video. I have learned a lot. You are my Miata Yoda.

[@maxp8892]

Nice job and very helpful.

[@barryecohen]

Great video!!! Many thanks!!!

[@lerch122]

well explained,ready to do mine now

[@NyxOne81]

Thank you that was helpful. I own an NC (the bastard kid of the family) but still found this very informative. Definitely my favourite channel.

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Don't let the memes get to you, the NC is considered the best Miata by many. NC content coming here soon.

[@NyxOne81]

@@TheCarPassionChannel Hey thank you for the kind words! Love my NC, can't wait for new content! :D

[@Bassstringz]

Awesome content my man!! It would've been awesome to do an other compression test at the end of the video and see it they are back to normal!

[@Silverboy005]

Thanks dude Im having problems of missfire on no. 4 cylinder sometimes and the idle to me is not that smooth but not as bad as when it missfires. First imma check spark, fuel and compression and go from there. But this is good to know just in case this is the issue on my car. 2005 LS with 112,000 miles so it might need adjusting after all I drive my car hard sometimes. It's a Miata gotta have fun with it lol.

[@paulferrara9079]

Many thanks for all the info !! we drive a black on black 2000 NB LS : )

[@victormarin1068]

As always, another great video from Dad.

[@heckadud]

A comprehensive, cohesive video from Car Passion Channel with a lot of time, effort, and thought put into the content, audio, filming, editing, and supplemental resources provided on the website? So it's just a normal CPC video then. ;) In all seriousness, I'm a huge fan. You continue to impress with your high effort content. Can't wait to see your car on track.

[@grim9515]

Another awesome video 👍

[@paulferrara9079]

Very well done. Thank you.

[@Domas64]

Biggest respect is for making a complete video. Hate those videos where they need parts and you can see it in the next video... (Rebirth series pardoned :)

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Hey - if Rebirth was one video it would be 7 hours, hahaha

[@patrickorourke5007]

Top Class presentation....very concise and informative......

[@DestroyerX995]

You're a god, thx a lot for all the miata info.

[@luismoreno602]

Great job on the video man you really saved my butt.

[@paulvanderveen1986]

Thank you Mister Peters! i have the same problem as you had!

[@realweston]

🤙 sounds so good now brah!

[@cre8tivegarage157]

Very informative

[@lucusss4]

At the beginning the whole Miata dad thing was a joke and now I'm like, Damn yea he is the Miata dad. And I'm goin to transfer this info into my 2J build as well thanks dude 👌🏻

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

What I am about to say is especially true in N/A setups. If your Adjusting them in 70+ degree temperatures. You can actually get away with 0.007 Intake and 0.0011 Exhaust. I know they say “only follow the manufacturer’s Specs.” However considering the manufacturers also leave enough room for their vehicles to be cold started in Russia roads in winter while also being driven up a very steep hill in Mexico in the hottest days of summer. All of which on their same factory recommend adjustments. So there actually is a slight amount of play room figured into their recommendations for extreme thermal expansion. Honestly. Now alternatively if your cylinder temperatures are increased such as non intercooled Turbo/Supercharged engines also high boost and nitrous setups. As well as alternative fuels like nitrometh I recommend going to the looser side of the manufacture recommendations for the thermal expansion of the metals under those extreme conditions. But a properly tuned and intercooled turbo setup shouldn’t see cylinder temperatures that high to begin with. Look at it this way if you have to run colder plugs. Then set it to the higher side of the factory recommendations to be sure. And if your still running the factory plugs you can get away with that extra 0.001 depending on your climate temps and the way the vehicle is driven. If it’s a car that only see’s racing conditions than you probably already know what you should be doing with valve adjustments anyway. Because is racing conditions a loose engine is a happy engine.

[@tonyroma9046]

Got my sub for sure!

[@asilaydyingx6]

I have a 99. And I bought a refurbished head and the guy said that he checked all the valve lashes and they were all good. But the engine does tic a little bit. I figured it was just normal as it is a Miata and they say they’re known to be kind of noisy engines. Now mind you this car is also boosted. I have been driving it the way it is for many thousand miles at around 12/14 psi boost. I’m also using a 96 intake cam because it actually has larger lift and if just changing the intake cam, and you do the calculation for overlap, it actually has less overlap than the stock 99 head with the stock cams. And as far as I know, less overlap is good for boost. Also I didn’t want to go through all the trouble of doing the Exintake mod(for min gains and doing all that work).when all I had to do is just drop in the intake cam and I get almost the same benefits and I don’t have to drill or mess with anything. I did a compression test and I basically got 180 on all cylinders. But when I did the valve lash almost everyone was way out of spec on the Big side. I’ve been using it like that but I definitely want to address it ASAP. It’s been really cold while I live recently but I think tomorrow I’m going to go out and try to get them more dialed in. Lucky for me the last time I was at the junkyard there was a Miata there, and I took all the shims lol. So hopefully I’ll measure all the shims that I have and with a little bit of luck I’ll have all the shims I need to fix all my valves. And then I can see if the tick actually does go down for reference most of my shim specs that I measured on the intake where like .011 when it’s suppose to be more like .008(in). So well see how that goes. But the car freaking rips.

[@FecesPhantom]

Great video, I can assure you I was entertained

[@anthonycarter7542]

I am almost aroused at how good that video was. Dude. That was sensational. All of it. Thanking you

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

My favorite type of video to make, it's been way too long since my last one. Glad you enjoyed it!