Engine rebuild - Heads
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Engine rebuild - Heads
I recently bought a book "How to Rebuild the Small Blcok Ford" by George Reid. I have found it extremely informative. But I would like an opinion on something regarding the heads and valves. Reid says not to use the high profile valve stem without the railed rocker arms. Well when I took the rocker arms off I found they were not the rail style and I had high valve stems. They sick up above the valve spring by about 1/4". I don't know what kind of rockers these are. They have a hemisperical contact point for the valve and a recess for the lift rod. They are still the non-adjustable kind. Should I replace these with the rail style or should I have the machine shop install shorter valves? If I do replace them should I use roller rockers? I want to do this job right. I don't want to have to tear the heads down shortly after I get my Phoenix on the road.
Your input is appreciated.
Your input is appreciated.
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,999
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From: Virginia
If your truck was running ok, then I am sure you probably have the original and correct setup for your engine. If something is not right, then the engine will not run, or you will get a lot of ticking.
The rail style rocker was a early style from the mid 70's back. You should have the sled rocker style, that has bolts instead of studs.
You have a decision to make. Are you rebuilding to stock? If so, stay with the stock setup you have. If you are hopping this engine up, then get ready to spend some money to get rid of the Ford valve train and make it adjustable. They do make a bolt on kit to make your setup adjustable. I think crane makes it.
The rail style rocker was a early style from the mid 70's back. You should have the sled rocker style, that has bolts instead of studs.
You have a decision to make. Are you rebuilding to stock? If so, stay with the stock setup you have. If you are hopping this engine up, then get ready to spend some money to get rid of the Ford valve train and make it adjustable. They do make a bolt on kit to make your setup adjustable. I think crane makes it.
