Intake valve to piston contact is only a concern if the head is milled a lot, or a non-stock camshaft is used. The Elgin E-293S camshaft is an exact duplicate of the solid lifter cam used in the 261 truck engine, except for a slightly different lash specification. There is also a cam made by Melling (CCS-1) that has slightly more exhaust duration than the Elgin cam that would also work with a 261 engine without any piston to valve clearance issues. The exhaust valves simply cannot touch the piston because of the angle they're installed in the cylinder head and the shape of the combustion chamber. One thing your machinist might not know is that stovebolt exhaust valves are identical to the ones used on small block Chevy V8 engines, and good quality stainless steel valves are available for very low prices. Given that fact, it's not practical to regrind exhaust valves- - - -just replace them with better than new quality stainless valves. It's also NOT necessary to install hardened exhaust valve seats unless you're planning on running Propane or natural gas instead of gasoline, or doing a lot of full throttle operation with maximum gross weight loads. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
