Roller rocker help.

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Nov 4, 2002 | 10:20 PM

rednec245

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Joined: Oct 2002

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From: Wagener, SC

Roller rocker help.

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

Nov 5, 2002 | 05:55 AM

Nathan

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Joined: Aug 1999

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Roller rocker help.

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

Nov 5, 2002 | 08:15 AM

lanceco

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Joined: Aug 2001

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Roller rocker help.

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!

Nov 5, 2002 | 07:37 PM

merc460

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Joined: Sep 2001

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From: Kelowna

Roller rocker help.

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

Nov 5, 2002 | 09:18 PM

vancloud

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Joined: Oct 2002

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Roller rocker help.

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.

Nov 5, 2002 | 10:00 PM

merc460

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Joined: Sep 2001

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From: Kelowna

Roller rocker help.

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

Nov 6, 2002 | 08:51 AM

georgedavila

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From: Nevada

Roller rocker help.

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