Best Engine Valve Shims of 2025
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Engine valve shims are small metal discs that are placed between the valve stem and the camshaft in an engine. They are used to adjust the valve clearance, which is the gap between the valve and the rocker arm. Valve clearance is important because it affects the engine's performance and efficiency. If the clearance is too small, the valve may not fully close, causing a loss of power and possible engine damage. If the clearance is too large, the valve may not open fully, reducing the engine's performance. Engine valve shims come in various sizes and thicknesses to allow for precise adjustments.
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Top 10 Engine Valve Shims
Hot Cams 9.48mm Complete Shim Kit
The Hot Cams 9.48mm Complete Shim Kit is perfect for all your valve maintenance needs. It includes 1.20-3.50mm shims in .05mm increments with 3 shims in each size. The laser-etched size on top of each shim allows for quick and easy identification. This kit is compatible with various ATV models from Arctic Cat, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha. The shims are forged from 4140 steel for durability and longevity.
Michigan Motorsports .015" Valve Spring Shims
The Michigan Motorsports Shims are designed for LS engines with stock guides, offering a thickness of .015". With an inside diameter of .510" and outside diameter of 1.260", these shims help you achieve the perfect installed height when using dual valve spring kits. They come in a convenient pack of 16, ensuring you have enough for your project. It's important to note that these shims should be paired with a 2-piece valve spring locator seat and seal setup, rather than one-piece "tophat" style seals. This compatibility enhances your engine's performance and reliability.
Comp Cams Valve Spring Shim Kit
The Comp Cams Valve Spring Shim Kit is designed to ensure precise installed height on intake and exhaust valves. It is made from the finest shim stock steel to precise dimensions, ensuring consistent installed height adjustments from the first valve to the last. The shims are heat treated to withstand the most radical camshaft profiles. The kit comes with 16 shims of three different thicknesses, and it is recommended for use with a range of springs from the same brand. The shims are also available for purchase separately.
Hot Cams 8.90mm Complete Shim Kit for KTM Dirt Bikes
The Hot Cams 8.90mm Complete Shim Kit is an engine valve shims kit that includes 1.72mm-2.60mm shims in 0.04mm increments with 3 shims in each size, perfect for your valve maintenance needs. The kit is compatible with various KTM dirt bike models from 2005 to 2017. Each shim is laser etched with its size for quick and easy identification. The shims are forged from 4140 steel for durability and longevity.
Hot Cams 7.48mm Complete Shim Kit for Dirt Bikes
The Hot Cams 7.48mm Complete Shim Kit is the perfect solution for all your valve maintenance needs. This kit includes complete shims ranging from 1.20mm-3.50mm in 0.05mm increments with 3 shims in each size. The laser-etched size on top of the shim allows for quick and easy identification. The kit is compatible with various Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha dirt bike models. The shims are forged from 4140 steel, ensuring durability and longevity.
Michigan Motorsports Valve Spring Shims
The Michigan Motorsports Shims are designed specifically for LS engines with stock guides. Each shim is .030" thick, with a .510" inside diameter and a 1.260" outside diameter, making them ideal for adjusting installed heights when using dual valve spring kits. This pack includes 16 shims, giving you plenty for your project. However, it's important to note that these shims work best with a 2-piece valve spring locator seat and seal setup, and should not be used with 1-piece "tophat" style seals. This ensures optimal performance and reliability in your engine setup.
JEGS Valve Spring Shim Kit
The JEGS Valve Spring Shim Kit is a set of shims with a diameter of 1.437” OD / 0.645” ID, available in three thicknesses: 0.015" (blue tempered spring steel), 0.030" and 0.060" (case hardened steel). These shims are made in the USA with high-quality materials and are designed to withstand the abuse of high-performance engines or daily drivers.
JEGS Valve Spring Shim Kit
The JEGS Spring Shim Kit is a high-quality valve spring shim kit designed to easily withstand the abuse of a high-performance engine or daily driver. Made in the USA with high-quality materials and assembly, this kit includes three sets of 16 shims. The shims come in three different thicknesses: 0.015" (blue tempered spring steel), 0.030" (case hardened steel), and 0.060" (case hardened steel). These shims are essential for adjusting the valve spring tension, ensuring optimal engine performance. Whether you're a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, the JEGS Spring Shim Kit provides the convenience and reliability you need to keep your engine running smoothly.
Hot Cams 8.90Mm Shim Kit
The Hot Cams Shim Kit is designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance for your KTM motorcycle. With a 1-year warranty, you can purchase with confidence, knowing you are protected after your buy. This product is completely brand new, offering you a reliable aftermarket option. By using this shim kit, you can enhance the engine's efficiency, providing smoother operation and improved longevity for your bike. Upgrade your engine components with this high-quality shim kit for better performance on the trails.
Dorman 02335 Starter Shim Pack
Dorman Starter Shims come in various styles and pack sizes, making it easy for you to find the right fit for your needs. Made from high-quality steel, these shims are designed to enhance durability and performance. They help eliminate annoying whining or grinding noises from your starter motor, which can occur due to misalignment. With Dorman's commitment to strict engineering standards, you can trust that these shims will provide reliable support for your vehicle. Plus, their ASE Blue Seal Certified technical support team is available to assist you whenever needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What do engine shims do?
Engine shims are used in automobiles to adjust the clearance or space between two parts, such as valve clearances. They are inserted into or under bucket tappets to control the clearance, and the thickness of the shim can be changed to adjust the clearance.
2. What happens if Valve clearance is incorrect?
Incorrect valve clearance can lead to various issues. Too much clearance can cause valves to clatter and potentially damage the valves, camshaft lobes, or rocker arms. On the other hand, too little valve clearance can prevent the valves from fully closing, leading to excessive heat and loss of engine power.
3. Are valve spring shims necessary?
Valve spring shims are necessary for adjusting the height of the valve springs. This step is critical to ensure optimal engine performance and prevent issues. While it may seem unnecessary, using shims helps maintain proper spring tension, which is essential for the engine's power and reliability.
4. Why do valves need to be shimmed?
Valves need to be shimmed because the constant impact of the valves can cause them to recede deeper into the cylinder head. If left unchecked, the valve stem can eventually come in contact with the components that actuate it, such as the cam or rocker. Shimming the valves helps maintain the correct clearance and prevents damage.
5. How often should I shim my valves?
Valve shimming frequency can vary depending on the engine and usage. As a general rule of thumb, mechanics usually recommend shimming the valves twice during the engine's lifespan. However, it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and have the valve lash inspected at the recommended intervals.
6. How do I know if my valves need adjusting?
If your engine is making a loud clicking or tapping noise during startup or experiencing a loss of engine power, it may be a sign that your valves need adjusting. It's important to have the valve lash inspected at the manufacturer's recommended intervals to ensure optimal engine performance.
7. What are signs of bad valve seals?
Signs of bad valve seals can include conducting a cold engine test, increased smoke levels, higher oil consumption, engine idling issues, compromised acceleration power, and engine misfiring. Checking the oil level and observing the exhaust can also provide insights into potential valve seal problems.
8. What happens if you over tighten valves?
Over-tightening valves can lead to a warped connection, causing various problems. The deformed connection may block fluids, resulting in clogged tubes. It's essential to follow proper torque specifications and guidelines to avoid over-tightening valves and prevent potential issues.
9. What is the purpose of valve spring shims?
The purpose of valve spring shims is to restore proper spring tension in cases where refacing valves and grinding valve seats have caused a loss of metal. By installing a valve spring booster shim under the spring, the lost material is replaced, ensuring the correct spring tension and preventing power loss.
10. What are the benefits of shims?
Shims have various benefits, including providing support and making adjustments for a better fit between objects. They are commonly used in construction and installation projects to bridge gaps, level surfaces, and ensure proper fittings. In the case of engine valve shims, they play a crucial role in maintaining optimal performance and preventing damage.
11. Do you have to use shims?
Shims are essential for adjusting the final fittings of windows, doors, cabinets, and other projects. They are particularly useful when installing trim, doors, windows, or cabinetry, as they help bridge gaps and ensure proper alignment. Additionally, shims can be used to level floors, tables, chairs, and other objects.
During our engine valve shim research, we found 24 engine valve shim products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,019 customer reviews through our big data system to write the engine valve shims list. We found that most customers choose engine valve shims with an average price of $31.92.
The engine valve shims are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of engine valve shims, including Hot Cams, Michigan Motorsports, Comp Cams, JEGS, Dorman. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.