Shim kit, build or buy?

Is it better to buy the kit or build your own by buying individual shims? The clearances don't get smaller so it's unlikely I'll need the larger sizes. Just wondering if I'd be better off buying the smaller ones. I also need the tool first so I don't even know what's in there yet. Any suggestions?

It would be much cheaper to buy as you need them for sure. I have been buying them over the years and have a decent set now. You would eventually get a good set over time and by buying as you need them, you wouldn't buy any you didn't need. Some guys will even trade shim for shim so both parties come out ahead. IF you buy them off e-bay for ex....just don't pay too much for them. I have seen guys pay more then you could get them from Z1 Ent. Personal preference but I decided to buy as needed and build over time.

lx460 wrote:

Is it better to buy the kit or build your own by buying individual shims? The clearances don't get smaller so it's unlikely I'll need the larger sizes. Just wondering if I'd be better off buying the smaller ones. I also need the tool first so I don't even know what's in there yet. Any suggestions?

Once the head is setup and broken in, you won't need many shims. I think I changed a shim maybe three times in about 50k miles on mine. I only bought two shims in all that time because on one I needed the size I had taken out so I didn't have to buy that one.

lx460 wrote:

Any suggestions?

First get an accurate reading on each valve as to what shim is in there and what you need to get the clearance right. You may be able to swap some around to get as many right as possible. You may not need many shims when it's all said and done.

What these guys said! My bike has needed two shims in 39,000 miles! And I traded them with the mechanic at the Kawi shop, so it's free.

Here's the deal. I just picked up an 81 LTD with the J motor. It shows 22,000 on it. From the condition I'd say it's close. Pulled the valve cover and checked the valves. 5 of 8 I can't fit the smallest feeler gauge in (.051). Where do I go from here?

If you can spin the bucket, you have some clearance - drop down two sizes in shim and you should be right there.

Even if the bucket will not spin, coming down 2 sizes is probably enough to get you acceptable clearance.

Shim kits - unless you have multiple bikes, individual shims are probably the best (cheapest) way to go. Most shim clearances shrink with wear causing progressively smaller shims to be used over time. The exception is where head work is done and new valves added - then you jump back up to thicker shims.