Valve clearances

[Nash Bap <nashbap@domain.elided>]

  Perhaps the reason why Alfa specified the clearances that they did is to facilitate the heat transfer from the valves thru the seats and  head. Reducing valve clearances reduces the valve to valve seat contact time resulting in decreased heat transfer. This may also explain why the exhaust valve clearance recommended is .002in. larger than the intake.
Also camshafts are designed with a ramp specific to a certain valve clearance and changing the clearance substantially may lead to premature wear of the cams.
I suppose if performance and the rest be damned is all that matters tightening up the clearances might be useful. However, can anybody say whether they actually felt their performance improve after tightening up the clearances?
Nash Bapasola
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