So I’m building a stock ish 429 with D0VE heads and I replaced the cam with one from comp cams. I’m wanting to install adjustable rockers cheap. Can I replace the stock studs/nuts with ones from a big block Chevy and re-use the oringinal rockers? Will I need guide plates and hardened push rods? The stock rockers seem like they self align. Thanks

 

No, valve trains are never that simple. The studs wont work but it doesn't matter because the stock rockers are junk anyways. Get new guide plates & hardened push rods of the right length. With a hydro cam you can stick with the 5/16" push rods. You will have to start from scratch now and get the valve geometry set up right with the right parts.

 

thanks for the help. So keeping in mind my budget (as cheap as possible lol) what would you recommend for rockers, studs and guide plates? They will have to fit under a stock valve cover too. Thanks again

 

What about using the stock rockers? Google tells me some people have done this with no problems. I did install the matching valve springs with the cam. Thanks

 

I used a 275deh cam from comp with stock rockers and it worked quite well that way but any more lift and the guides would have to be cut down accordingly. You start getting over 525 lift and you need to check the clearance real carefully for your valve seals. I used the springs that came with the cam also. So as long as your cam isn't too big you should be fine..

 

Thanks for the help. I might try and run the stock rockers and pushrods. I’m trying to get this engine back together as cheap as possible. Just thought maybe there was a cheap way of getting them adjustable

 

You're on the right track.I have the same deal you are thinking about in a car,.525, .530 lift cam,works fine,have done it before. Not the ultimate setup but you end up with adjustables,no guide plates or hardened pushrods. Get 16 thick hardened washers,iirc,3/16 thick,7/16 hole.and a new set of sbc stock rocker nuts. Get a Dremel with a flap disc and knock off the edges where the valve stems have worn grooves in the rockers. Stick the washers on top of the fulcrum *****,screw on the nuts and adjust away.Those nuts are a distorted thread design and really a 1 use only deal so don't work them up and down too many times. The washer thickness is a guess from memory but you will figure it out.

 

With the cam lift mentioned in the previous post, PBM Erson 3100 springs work perfect for those heads. Installed height of 1.850 You can buy them cheap if you shop around.

 

That sounds like a great idea. I’m sure I have some SBC rocker nuts lying around too. Thanks a bunch