How much lost HP can a Valve-Adjustment bring back? - Honda Prelude Forum

BlackLude98 · 02-24-2002, 10:28 AM

My performance shop told me that I need a valve adjustment cause of the ticking noise the car makes. I pretty much know that I need to get one too, my question is this - will the valve adjustment make any difference in performance or is it just a little tune-up that really doesn't do anything except change how the engine sounds at idle?

~Alex

shmang · 02-24-2002, 03:38 PM

Normally the valve adjustment will retore a few hp back (most likely 3-5hp depends on the valve condition before adjustment, it can be more if it is in really bad condition). It will definitely make ilde sounds much more smooth. But, the most important part of doing valve adjustment is: It will protect your valve from excess wear and protect the engine parts.

If your car have more than 45K or 30K if you drive hard, a valve adjustement is highly recommended.

Blue___Lude · 02-24-2002, 03:58 PM

How much does it usually cost to have a valve adjustment?

snb3 · 02-24-2002, 08:52 PM

You might want to chk. I think some of the newer 5g ludes do not need valve adjustments till like 100k. My older teg used to be about $60-75 to adjuste the valves. It does run smoother after its done.

ludikris · 02-24-2002, 09:07 PM

I'd be interested to see a dyno plot with a before and after. I *swear* that I have much punchier midrange after I did my oil change, spark plug replacement, and valve lash adjustment. I think that 3-5 might be about right for all of those things, but not just for valve lash.

My local dealer (which I *never* bring anything to!) charge around $75 to do the valve lash. YMMV

AccordSleeper · 02-25-2002, 07:36 AM

I had my timing belt done which includes valve adjustment done at 89K. I bought the car from my mom at 62K so since then it's been driven kinda hard. There was no noticeable difference after the work was done. I actually ran my best 1/4 mile before my timing belt service and cam gear.

So unless you really beat the hell out of your car like I don't think a valve adjustment is neccessary until your timing belt service.