Hey guys--

I'm getting ready to install my engine. I've read a bit about installing the chevy rocker arms to increase valve lift.

Now I'm just trying to educate myself about it. Has anyone done it? Results.

Would it in anyway decrease the longevity of the engine? Thanks.

 

there were some posts a while back. depending on who you ask, ford 460 and BBC rockers may or may not fit. i've had a hard time tracking down anyone who had actual experience, not just theoretical. the rockers off of the chevy inline six are supposed to fit, and there are people who did put them on. you can get them from the parts store, just a normal stamped rocker arm, but it has a higher ratio. i know Harland Sharp used to, and i'm sure still does, or can, make roller rockers for the inline six. as far as increased wear, you'll be lifting your valves further (the advantage of a higher ratio), so you'd need springs capable of that amount of lift, and enough piston to valve clearance. it'll make more power once its tuned in, though you may not notice, and you may see some drop in low end torque, since it will effectively lengthen your cam duration. going with a full roller rocker will generally improve valve train life since there is less friction, and therefore less parasitic loss, and often times the aftermarket performance pieces are manufactured to more exacting tolerances, meaning less cylinder to cylinder variation. overall, a good set of roller rockers should increase your engine longevity. let us know which way you go. and if anyone reading this has used the BBC roller rockers, or the 460 ford rollers, be sure and post some pics for the rest of us.

one last note, make sure if you're using a roller rocker, especially with your new cam and such, that you use a good quality, screw in rocker stud so you don't pull out the OE pressed in pieces.

hope that helped without going too far off topic.

 

I agree with NavyMIDN08 regarding the screw-in rocker studs. The stock studs are pressed in and they sometimes pull out with the stock 1.6 rockers. To make things worse, the holes that they press into are drilled through into the water jacket. I would not consider 1.75 rockers without converting to screw-in studs. (In fact, if I were rebuilding an engine I would convert to screw-in studs even with the stock rockers)

 

Thanks for a ton of info. When I had my heads done, p&p'ed, sbc valves installed, isky springs, etc., the shop did install new studs. I just need to pull the receipt or call and find out which type they installed.

If I need to change the studs, I will leave it like it is. The engine has plenty of power as it is. Since I already have about $1,100 in the head, I think I'll say 'whoa there' at this point. Already it has the power of my old 390. Once I adjust the trans to shift a bit later, and the secondaries to open a little sooner, it will really come alive.

I will toss it around a bit and decide what to do. I'll keep you posted on how the engine swap goes. Thanks.