I am in the process of rebuilding my 460 for my 77 F150 4x4. I am going to use a set of DOVE-c heads on my motor. I don't have the factory rail type rockers for these heads, and I figured a set of roller tips of full rollers would be better. I know I am going to have to get longer studs, guideplates, and hardened push rods. After surching this forum and others, I am unsure as to whether or not I will have to machine the pedestals down. So I am curious as to what some of you are running on these heads, and what you had to do to set this up. It seems that the more I look into this, the more confused I become.
Thanks for any help you can offer.
Red

 

I put rollers on a set of c9 heads which are pretty much the same. I used Ford Racing Perf. Parts guide plates, ARP 7/16" studs for BBC, and Harland Sharp rockers. Call Harland Sharp with your application because their standard BB Ford rockers dont work. They will actually sell you Pontiac rockers with BBF 1.73 ratio. I did NO machining to the heads other than chasing the stud threads with a tap. Pushrods were from Ford Racing also.

Nathan

 

I did a set of C9VE heads eerlier this year getting all the parts from Comp Cams. After determining the correct pushrod length I had to machine .125" off the stud bosses because the bottom of the rockers hit the flare on the stud just above the hex. That meant stripping the heads and going back to the machine shop. If you go this route have the bosses done when you get the valves done. Good Luck!

 

If you go to my gallery you will see the set up I am using, on some c8ve heads. They consist of comp cam screw in studs, guide plates and push rods also I am using bbc roller rockers. Eric

 

Hi Merc, Will you help me convert my 79 460 to roller rockers?
030" over flat top piston. about 5000 miles on it. Engle cam that is to big. thanking of a RV can.
Where do I look for the head part number?
Also have a 1987 460. Witch heads are best for gas milage?
So much to comput, so lettle time.

 

The real expert on this is George Davila. You should have pedestal mount rockers and I beleive there is a kit to convert them to roller rockers, or I beleive you can machine the pedestal off and install the ealier screw in studs. jump in any time George. Eric

 

Eric is being modest. He knows more about these engines than many of us put together. Crane makes a kit that will allow the conversion without any machine work for early, rail rocker arm heads. I've never used one, so I have no comments on how it works or if it applies to later pedestal mounted rockers. Machine work for cutting the stud bosses is under $50, so it would be a matter of personal preference.

No matter which method is used, achieving correct valve train geometry is the issue. I've seen one engine destroyed from using BBC rockers because the geometry can be off just enough to allow the rocker fulcrum to catch on the stud boss and dump the retainer.

You'll normally need to change pushrod length when going to roller rockers. Here's a quick, easy method to check your valve train geometry after everything is together:

http://www.holley.com/HiOctn/TechServ/TechInfo/IECVTTech1.html

 

I have had some trouble with my valve guides wearing on my Blue Thunder heads. I was running BBC 1.7 rockers, but have switched to Ford Motorsports 1.73 rockers now. You can easily make an adjustable pushrod by taking an extra stock pushrod and cutting about .5 to .75" out of the middle. Tap the inside of each piece with a 1/4-28 tap. You may have to drill the pushrod with a .213" drill first, though. I can't remember what the ID is; It has been a while since I made mine. Then get a piece of all-thread or a set screw and connect the two pieces together. You can put a jamb nut on also to lock it down and make it a little stronger. It may not be strong enough to open a roller spring, though. I always use "checking springs" that don't have a lot of pressure to check all my geometries and valve clearances.

 

i dont know if this was mentioned...but make sure you get hardened pushrods....guidplates will eat up regualr pushrods

 

 

Thanks for all the info. just finshed porting and polishing the first head will try to some pixs later. Cloudy