just built a 686, JE 12:1, stage 2 hot cam, kibble white springs, proted the head like crazy, new intake valves stock, 6 degree key, alien dmc full exhaust, K&N filter with skin and just enough air box to hold the filter on with the help of a bolt. Dyno jet kit 170, 175 for initial break in, want it to run a little fat untill it's broke in good. My question is the cam called for .20 and .25 mm valve lash or 8 and 10 thousands, but they seem too loud to me, has anyone got away with 6 and 8 thousands.

 

mine tick like hell to. but i keep it adjusted at what hot cam's calls for.

 

does your valve train sound alot louder than stock

 

Yes. I just keep everything adjusted to spec, and leave it like that. I haven't had mine very long, but I have completed the break in, and put a couple good rides on the motor without a problem yet.

 

Mine seem louder too.

What is a 6 degree key???

 

a degree key is used to advance your timing, it goes on the flywheel and mechanicaly moves the ignition timing so your spark occurs sooner than normal. this is a real advantage at higher altitudes. the number six is how many degrees the timing is advanced.

 

does it do anything for me in Chicago at 600-900 ft above sea level?

I have a built 686. Ithought degree keys were only good for banshee's and, altering the point of "firing" on the Raptors is the ccause for detonation and, holes inthe pistons??

 

The valves are gonna be loud, it's just something your gonna have to live with. I wouldn't go any tighter.

 

i also have a 686 with alot of vavle noise. The people that built mine said a degree key in their opion was bad for the raptor.

 

anytime you install a degree key it will help performance, all cars have a timing advance device of some sort weather it be electronic or mechanical like on a vacum advance distributor. It wont hurt a four stroke by itself, now since a raptor does not have a distributor you have to be carefull how much advance you give it and make sure all your mods match up. I run 101 octane to help it run cool and 6 degrees is about the max you would wnt to go but that is at my altitude of 5500 ft, closer to sea level you wont get as much of a gain and it will run hotter so watch out for that. but it is a good mod