Found the 1999 Clifford catalog, all they had for Datsun's at that time were headers, exhaust systems, and cams. Now they have zip specifically for Datsun.

Isky still makes some L- Series grinds. ( L-6 and L4. Also A-Series )
 
http://www.iskycams.com/onlinecatalog.html

 

Isky cams.bmp

 

Isky cams.bmp

Why does it advise to shorten all valve guides at the bottom of the ad?

Why does it advise to shorten all valve guides at the bottom of the ad?

Valve lift over approx .460" will result in the bottom of the stock spring retainer hitting the top of the valve seal. You shorten the valve guide to prevent this interference with high lift cams. A common Mod to all Datsun L-Series engines.

 

The other way around this problem is to use aftermarket spring retainers that have a shorter " leg " on the bottom side. Isky makes these in steel 1624-ST(12) and Titanium 1624-TI(12)

Edited November 30, 201410 yr by Chickenman

Why can't you just buy the shorter valve seals?  https://www.google.com/search?q=Fel-Pro+%23+SS72686+seals&rlz=1C1BOFA_enUS494US494&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=MlF7VP_hE8qeggTBm4KQDg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAg&biw=1280&bih=620

Edit: Because they may not gain you " enough " clearance.

 

You can gain some clearance by using the A-series Nissan metal shell seals, over the original L-series seal with all Nitrile body construction ( 13207-21000 ). That can still limit your valve lift to around .480" if you use the stock retainer. I've seen Datsun L-series race cams with well over .600" lift.

 

You may have to machine the guide, machine the bottom leg of the valve retainer or get different retainers depending on components used.

 

.120" clearance at full lift should be more than enough.

 

Note: Post edited to clarify answer.

Edited December 9, 201410 yr by Chickenman

I'm reading all I can about cams and cam kits and somehow or another came across this post on hybridz.org,  http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/25807-improved-l6-valve-stem-seals/

 

What do you think?  I want to do mine the right way but if I could save some trouble and money, I'd like to.

Don't think you can go wrong with that advice. I think I am running the Ford blue seals on mine.

I'm using the Ford stem seals and Isky retainers with a .540" lift cam without issue.

I used to use the Nissan A -series valve seal on my cammed L-series. . The ones with the metal shell. 13207-H7210. Easy installation and gained you some room...but I can't honestly remember exactly how much.

 

Spring retainer to valve seal clearance is something that should always be checked with big cams.

 

Looks like these are still available OEM from Nissan. Funny enough..they are a stocked item with most Nissan " Forklift " dealers...

 

 

I'm using the Ford stem seals and Isky retainers with a .540" lift cam without issue.

 Can't go wrong with Isky parts... 

 

Do you recall how much shorter the Isky retainers were on the bottom side?

 Can't go wrong with Isky parts... 

 

Do you recall how much shorter the Isky retainers were on the bottom side?

 

Nope.