best feeler gauge for valve job?

[b4cruz]

getting ready to do my first valve job.
i've had the rad and all off before
just really scared about getting the
cover off without jacking it all to hell

gonna buy RTV sealant and aluminum safe coolant 1st
but not sure what feeler to get.

I still can't picture exactly where I'm gonna feel for the
valve clearance and what junk will be in the way of
the feeler as the pictures in the manual don't really
get close enough. But I think I'll figure it out when
I get it open.

should I just get the cheapo $3 flat feeler with .006 and .008 inch slots?
or will one of these offset versions be better:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00940802000P?mv=rv

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalog/accessories/accProductDetails.jsp?categoryDisplayName=&fromString=&itemIdentifier=69339_0_0_&productId=69339&sortType=&parentId=6-10&filterByKeyWord=&categoryNValue=&navValue=101293&fromWhere=&itemId=1293-10&displayName=Feeler+Gauge&store=5545&skuDisplayName=12+offset+blades+value+tappet+feeler+gauge&brandName=OEM

thanks

[PitterB4]

I think I'd splurge for the $5 or $10 version.   

It's a somewhat daunting job the first time.  Just take your time and read and reread the directions.  It should be evident what to measure once you get in there.  Just make sure you have the cam at the right position for the right valves. 

There are several good threads here about it (one may have been moved to the FAQ). 

Lastly, don't overtorque the valve cover bolts like I did.     That is a huge pain in the ass.

[b4cruz]

yup the threads put much more perspective on it.
http://forums.banditalley.net/index.php?topic=214.0
http://forums.banditalley.net/index.php?topic=4369.0
http://forums.banditalley.net/index.php?topic=935.0

In the manual it seems like it'll only take a few minutes.
But after reading about the problems with cover, falling
gasket pieces parts and leaking after, make me want
to plan and slow down.

[Chris H]

Its a very easy job made hard by not removing enough parts and not cleaning the job properly before reassemble. Take the rad off, all the pipes to the head and the thermostat housing, also remove the coils and then you can get in and see what your doing. Remember set the valves from cold and turn the motor over a couple of times after and before rechecking the gap you set. SO set up the cam position, set that cam turn the motor and recheck, then set the cam for the next valve and away you go. Clean the cover gasket in a bowl of soapy water and refit it with NO sealant and it will be right on.