Gernby

being "very knowledgeable" wouldn't prevent this type of mistake. The only way for them to know where to measure the clearance is for them to read the shop manual very carefully. The sticker that specifies the valve clearance doesn't specify where the clearance is to be measured. Actually, I don't think the shop manual even specifies where it is to be measured in words; only in the diagram.

If they did measure the clearance in the wrong location, I don't think there would be any damage for you to drive it that way. I drove mine that way for about 5K miles. I didn't realize there was a problem until I went to the dyno. Having excessive valve clearance taxes pre-VTEC power big time, but has little to no effect on post-VTEC power. During our local S2000 club dyno day, I was only 1 HP below the top in peak power, but I was almost 25 HP below the top in pre-VTEC power (at the very bottom of the pack by about 15 HP). None of the S2000s that were dyno'ed that day had any significant mods.

Gernby

BTW, your smooth idle is another indicator that your valve clearances might be too high. Excessive valve clearance reduces valve lift and duration, which is great for low throttle, low RPM operation.

smile

gernby -- thanks for your help.