torqueing rocker arms and setting TDC with no distributor

Well I may be joining the 0331 head club here sooner than expected. Gonna pic up an Alabama cylinder head. I've changed quite a few heads but on the LS series GM rockers all you did was torque them down to 26 lbs ft. And go(self adjusting). My understanding from the Haynes manual you bring each cylinder to TDC to both remove and install the rockers to 19 lbs ft. ? Without a distributor though am I limited to the blow the finger out the hole truck or screwdriver trick? Or is there a better way? Then would you do cylinder 1, then 5, 3,6,2,4? In the normal during order?Thanks in advance guys,Sean

You don't need to bring each cylinder to TDC to install the rocker arms. Just install them and torque to spec.

Make sure you follow the procedure in the manuel to install your dist. Other wise the cam position sensor in the dist. will be off ,causing the engine not to run.

Good Luck
Nick

the only purpose for rotating the engine is to relieve pressure exerted by the valve spring when a lifter is on the toe of the cam. It's easier to bolt things up without any pressure, but isn't imperative to do the job.

Gotcha. Soo I should be good just torquing no matter where the cylinders are? No distributor on this one('01).

Alright! Thanks for all the help guys. Now onto the head gasket. I'm building a parts list on rockauto right now. Should I go w/the Felpro regular or the "severe duty" gasket?
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

Whoops....
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/printlistings.php?ni=338

May as well do the severe duty. I don't think you can link to that pop-up. My time is coming up soon too. Are you going to take the manifolds off with the head?

Yeah. I've pulled the intake and exhaust before pretty quickly with the help of some swivels and extensions. The truck that I've found works great is starting the manifold bolts in a few threads and set the manifolds under them as opposed to holding the manifolds and trying to find a hole.