Failed certification

[Mike Pearson]

About 22-23 years ago I won class at the gators. My very first class win. I was torn down and the intake valve was found to be .001 undersize. I was tossed. There was no discussion on the accuracy of the measuring tool. The valve had many runs on it and it had tuliped causing it to measure small. It was definitely not a performance advantage. I had the heads rebuilt with new valves and presented them to tech for inspection before I could race at the next event. The new valves were almost a tenth quicker after the change. In hindsight I probably could have heated the valve to 1300 degrees and it might have measured big enough to pass. I was young and didnt think of that until much later. needless to say I was disappointed that I did not pass and get the class win or get to race in the eliminator.

[Larry Hill]

First timeout with the truck was Topeka. We qualified #1 so we got tore down as we should have with a new combination. Everything went well until valve lift. The young inspector said it had too much lift by .002. Of course I disagree and ask for a seasoned inspector to recheck. While he went and got Elroy I sent Chris back to the toolbox to get 5/8 deep well socket and a 1/2 inch ratchet. I bent stock stud towards the valve and looked up to see Elroy. I don't know how much he observed but I am sure I had the deer in the headlights look on my face. We rechecked lift and it was .003 to the good.