Installing valve lifters in a 390 engine is fairly straightforward; the process is similar to installing lifters in any V-8 push rod engine. While not a project to be undertaken lightly, replacing valve lifters can be done by many amateur mechanics using a little patience and forethought. Plan on spending the better part of a day completing this project.
Open the radiator petcock and drain the cooling system. Remove the upper radiator hose.
Remove the spark plug wires, distributor and carburetor, and take off both valve covers.
Loosen the adjusting nut on each rocker arm, and remove the push rods.
Unbolt the intake manifold and set it aside.
Remove the existing lifters. It may be necessary to use a magnet to draw the lifters out of the lifter bores.
Thoroughly coat the new lifters in assembly lube, and install them in the lifter bores. The flat face of the lifter goes against the camshaft, with the cupped face pointing up.
Install the intake manifold using a new gasket.
Install the push rods, and adjust the valves using the adjusting nut on each rocker arm.
Replace the gasket on each valve cover, and install the valve covers.
Install the distributor, carburetor and spark plug wires. Replace the upper radiator hose.
Refill the cooling system with the appropriate coolant.
Start the engine and set the timing using a timing light. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature, then shut the engine off.
Remove the valve covers, and readjust the valves.
Replace the valve covers.
