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

[@Girz0r]

This info is GOLD & Worthy of a MT sticky.

[@1987RX7TII]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@jmpcrx]

Miata dad now upgraded to miata God.

[@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.

[@440Craig]

Did you check the compression again after the procedure?

[@TheJohnb35711]

classic CarPassionChannel content

[@JustKyzuuh]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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!!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 ;)

[@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

[@joshh299]

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

[@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

[@dwergmaster]

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

[@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!

[@ZacharySound]

Best well explained Miata DIY video I have ever seen.

[@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

[@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

[@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!! 👌

[@arneldonaire]

Thanks!

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Thanks so much! Glad this video helped 😁

[@eyeofthedriver]

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

[@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!!!!

[@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.

[@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

[@rhunt2363]

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

[@MrDjcamo29]

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

[@garageworm17]

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

[@123cocopie]

Tickticktickticktick

[@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.

[@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

[@jonathonabel1548]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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....

[@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!

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@nickwild7]

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

[@kevinroberts9096]

Man, you are A MASTER on Miata!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@RAF71chingachgook]

Bless you. I and my children will sing praises to your name for eternity.

[@glenjohnson5809]

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

[@revlimiternet]

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

[@TheAdatto]

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

[@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 👌🏻

[@jerZcavy4120]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@victormarin1068]

As always, another great video from Dad.

[@1knowsnothing1]

I’m curious if this has to do with the Sealed Power VS-855 springs. How often does this occur with new Super Tech doubles. Also, Precision Shim out of Australia has both 27 mm shims as well as the 6mm lash caps for the Mazda SUBs if needed.

[@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.

[@raviolitrail]

This video is SOOOO satisfying.

[@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

[@madmiata1887]

Excellent timing! I am rebuilding my BP4W head with FAB9 264/264 turbo cams, VS855 springs, and stock valves. DID YOU KNOW, stock valves are NOT magnetic! So they must be stainless steel or something not magnetic... Which, might mean no reason to upgrade valves.

[@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.

[@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!

[@Big_Gima]

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.

[@AlejoMX5]

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

[@jp2246]

So it definitely sounded normal after the valve lash adjustment, did you notice a difference in power or performance when driving it?? Thanks for another great video, and yes I read the comments below and discovered an Easter egg, or is that NCeaster egg...

[@Okibi5]

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

[@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!

[@SpareTimeGearHeads]

Great Video!, Seems like a lot of effort where its easier with under bucket lifters. Greg why didn't you upgrade to Supertech Under bucket cam follower/lifters?, no chance of shooting out a shims from the top at high rpm. Also, you can file the 5.5 mm shim caps super precise, to the ten thousandths.

[@TheDevonwurz]

I needed this

[@Rekinortiher]

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

[@connelly29]

Two questions: 1. Do the lash measurements need to be done with the engine warmed up? Seems like they should since the metal can expand with heat? 2. Have you checked lash at various rotations of the cam, not just opposite the lobe? What if the cam isn't perfectly round on the "closed" side?

[@alexisknows6513]

It's done a cold engine ,an better yet when rebuilding your head . For number 2 ,if your cam has a flat spot .... it's time to replace your camshaft.

[@FecesPhantom]

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

[@kdmerkle]

GREAT job on this procedure. THANK YOU!

[@maddypaliwal]

As an engineer I really appreciate the way you showed how precise measurements are important how much it affects your engine, that's something which not easy to get a perspective of for a lot of people. Also, I'm just curious if you did a cold compression test with the new shims? I would just want to know the numbers haha.

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

I really wish I would have too, regret forgetting to do that.

[@tylersatterfield2379]

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

[@jimybo20]

Legendary video. Well done mate.

[@travismooney3224]

Miata dad is the best!

[@afhostie]

You can also use a paint pen on the belt and sprocket to tell you if the timing moved

[@bakamotorworks505]

Dude Miata Dad strikes with the knowledge once again! Greg do you think that that bad valve lash could have caused some kind of weird harmonic vibration through the drivetrain??? Is the Miata miraculously healed!?

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

No, I do not think they could be at all related

[@Big_Gima]

Its funny my head was redone and my exhaust was just about the same numbers as yours. Even my intake were a little bigger. Not sure if thats how they redo them knowing they close up but i found that interesting. Lucky for me i have 185psi compression in all cyls. I also used the zip tie trick. Thank you that one sir😂

[@davidervin4853]

If you're very careful and patient you can wet sand your shims down. Most of the time it's hard to find a few shims you need they usually want you to buy a shim kit which is really exspensive

[@Jordanmilo]

This is a nicely done video; thank you. I just woke my Miata up a few days ago after its hibernation and it sounds like I have one--just one--very noisy valve. (Oil & filter changed before hibernation.) Question: My car is a 99, non VVT engine--is anything in this vid unique to the 2001 and later engine that you're working on?

[@andrewf8486]

You will burn your valve if it is left open. The expansion ratio cools the combustion charge as the piston descends. It there is a gap the gas leaves the cylinder very hot when the piston is at the top of its stroke.

[@Rhidrio3]

Good vid. If you had a belt sander you could have skimmed your shims thinner and thinner until you can get the feeler in and be able to get a measurement then order the right size. When are we going to get some Husky vids ;) You could check the valve clearances on that too, it's like lego size after working on a car head ;)

[@TheYz250fmf]

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

[@Turbo_Roberto]

Greg, my boosted Miata does the same 3 cyl cold start as well, but I've got a 1.6 motor with hydraulic lifters. Apart from the regular spark plugs/wires, where should I look next?

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Power balance test first which is a fancy way of saying identify the dead cylinder by pulling off 1 spark plug wire at a time. Once you find the dead hole, you can swap around ignition coils/wires depending on your setup (1/4 and 2/3 are on the same signal). Also compression test, and vacuum leak test. That's pretty much all free to test if you rent the tools from Autozone/Oreilly

[@muthagoose00]

Running into the same issues on my 404whp BP6D with Supertech heavy double springs and stock valves/head otherwise. Exhaust side i am seeing lash of .016/.017 on cylinders 2-4, with cylinder 1 being at .014, Interesting that your cylinder 1 exhaust valve lash was lower on 1 as well. On my intake side I am seeing .010 average lash with cylinder 1 having one Zero/negative lash valve, and cylinder 2 having a .003 lash on one valve. Going to attempt to relash the two intake valves to get by for a bit. I suspect as we talked about on instagram that I am starting to see scalloping on the valves as well.

[@muthagoose00]

Did you end up re-shimming all of the exhaust valves back down into spec- .0133 ?

[@ReubenHorner]

I'm pretty sure they go up in 0.05mm increments. Would make it easier in that cases. A company in aus call precision shims can make you up some but also not that cheap

[@moeriou8431]

17:25 I don't understand, how you can take a shim that is .1267 and put it where one needs a shim that is .1264? Won't your lash end up .003 under?

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Wrong decimal place: 0.1267 and 0.1264 are only 0.0003 difference :)

[@moeriou8431]

my bad I was high

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

@@moeriou8431 never try to shim your motor while high

[@alexchulzhanov]

Another note, if exhaust valves have negative lash like you demonstrated, it is HIGHLY likely you can burn and destroy a valve. The seat heats up way more and actually melts the valve. That is why on Miata heads there is more exhaust valve lash than intake valve lash when referencing factory specs.