Source for shims

[rlearp]

You fellows that do your own valve adjustments what do you do for shims? I'm very familar (unfortunately) with doing this on motorcycles with similar adjustments. However, at that time I had full access to all the shim sizes available and could easily get what I needed.

I've got to setup one of my JH heads and need to cross this bridge sometime in the next few weeks. I've got a few handfuls of shims from the various heads I have laying around but I doubt that I'll have everything I need.

Ron

[Del-Esprit]

Have a look at the thread about valve adjustment complications, I think it is relevant to your car.

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=124442&f=17&h=1

Luckily I have a friendly garage that has bins full of shims and lets me have a good sort through when I need some.
Best tip is talk nice to a suitable garage, get the mechanics on your side and egt them to help with a few bits. It soon becomes work for 'mate rate' just to see the car on the road again.

Del
95 S4s

>> Edited by Del-Esprit on Friday 17th September 12:37

[Esprit2]

Del-Esprit said:

Have a look at the thread about valve adjustment complications, I think it is relevant to your car. <a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=124442&f=17&h=1">www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=124442&f=17&h=1</a>

When I posted the following list to the other message thread, I omitted Jaguar. The older XK straight six engines also used the same size shims to clearance the valves.

The valve shims are not unique to Lotus, so you may be able to find a local source for them. The same size shims were also used in:
Lotus-Ford Twin Cam _ .060" - .150" in .001 steps.
Cosworth ___________ .060" - .150" in .001 steps.
Coventry Climax ______ .060" - .150" in .001 steps.
Hillman IMP __________ .060" - .150" in .001 steps.
Jaguar ______________ I don't know the size range available thru Jag.
Saab 99 _____________ .090" - .120"
Triumph TR-7 _________ .070" - .120" in even sizes (.070, .072, etc.)

In the USA, any of the usual Lotus parts suppliers can provide you with shims. JAE, Dave Bean, rd Enterprises, Tingles, SCW. Also any of the Brit-car specialists who cater to the Triumphs (TR-7) and vintage Jags like The Roadster Factory, Moss Motors, Victoria British, etc.

Most shops servicing the vintage racing community can provide Cosworth, Climax or Lotus-Ford Twin Cam shims.

I don't know what sources are in your back yard. If you're going to mail order shims, then the usual Lotus suppliers are as reasonable a first stop as any.

See the other thread for my comments about Saab dealers. This is really kind of an untapped gold mine.

Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North
Minnesota, USA