Originally Posted by Glowgeek

If you want to ensure the most accurate valve timing with factory parts you can make a custom thickness cam cover gasket like I do. The custom thickness minimizes gear backlash but allows for oiling and heat expansion. My 56 actually required no gasket at all to set the gear backlash to my liking. Do my engines run better going through all that trouble? I'm not sure but I like tinkering and it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.