Thread: 283 Chevy Valve clearance settings

Finally ready to bolt the heads onto the 283 chevy small block. It is a stock standard motor with hydraulic lifters, stock rockers / push rods / cam.
From the reading I have done the valve clearance is set while the engine is running and by "ear", tightning until all clatter has stopped then tightening a further 1/4 of a turn.
This engine is out of the vehicle and will not be started for a few months (maybe I should have left the motor to do last).
What would be the correct way of setting them cold before starting the engine? One article I read stated to wiggle the pushrods up and down until you can not do this any more then tighten down an extra 1/4 to 1/2 turn.
I have not been able to find any clearance measurements on the web.

This will be my first time adjusting valves so would like to do it properly and avoid extra exspense down the track from doing it wrong.

From the "How to build the smallblock chevrolet" manual (by S-A Design), page 121 para 53 says 'Adjust Hydraulic lifters about 1/2 -turn past zero lash' starting with No. 8 cly at TDC and turning the engine 45 deg (1/8) clockwise turn and adjusting No 2 cly etc etc

Nino