• Hello there guest and Welcome to The #1 Classic Mustang forum!
    To gain full access you must Register. Registration is free and it takes only a few moments to complete.
    Already a member? Login here then!

Stock or Roller Rockers....

cmayna

DILLIGARA?
Donator
My cleveland 4v heads did not come with rockers or push rods. New set of stock rockers is averaging around $145. For an additional $100-$150 I can get Harland Sharp or Crane Cam roller rockers. Is it worth going roller?
 
I'd say yes. Aside from freeing up a little power, they're also better for the valvetrain (less wear on the valve tips) and they don't tend to flex as much.

I bought a set of Crane Energizers when I built my engine. I forget exactly how much, but they were very affordable. They're cast instead of CNC'd like most other aluminum rockers, but they seem to work fine. Although, if I could afford it, I'd pick up a set of Comp Cams chromoly rockers. Those things are nice....
 
Definately go roller. If you're not 100% sure that this is a totally stock build on the engine, I would wait to buy the push rods until after you have the rockers. You can use a push rod length checker to measure for the right length (you can borrow mine).

There's some pretty cool stuff out there for push rods these days, too. The ones I put in my 408 are one piece push rods from Comp Cams. Whatever you buy, though, it MUST be hardened, if you're going to run roller rockers and guide plates.

BTW, I have the Harland Sharp rockers in my '66's 289. VERY good rocker for the price.
 
John,
Yes I was going to get the rollers first and then determine push rod length. Will probably go Harland or Crane. You have a pushrod checker? And how often do you use this tool? As often as most of us use a engine stand? TOOLS !!!!
 
I have one too, if you don't get John's by the time MITM comes around. I've used it twice; once when I built the motor, and again when I swapped heads.
 
Do all roller rockers such as Harland Sharp, Crane Cam, Scorpion, etc require the conversion kit? Can you still adjust the lash, etc with these roller rockers?
 
"cmayna" said:
Do all roller rockers such as Harland Sharp, Crane Cam, Scorpion, etc require the conversion kit? Can you still adjust the lash, etc with these roller rockers?

Yes, all true roller rockers will need hardened pushrods, guide plates, and screw in studs (ok, with the exception of pedestal mount rockers, but I don't know if they make pedestal mount for canted valve heads). The heads also have to be modified for the guide plates. The stud bosses have to be machined down and threaded. They have to be machined the thickness of the guide plate to keep from throwing off the geometry.

You adjust the lash just like a non-roller rocker, but you won't be able to do it with a cut out valve cover like you can with stamped steel rocker. You also have to run taller valve covers with roller rockers, to clear the poly-locks.

I have used the push rod checker tool when I built my '66's 289, and when I built the 408. It's been sitting in my tool box since then. In other words, don't waist money on one ... use mine. I'll bring it to MITM. You can keep it as long as you need. I have no plans to build another engine right now.
 
Is it worth going roller?

Craig,

The 4V 351C will already be "a lot" of motor for your car. Be careful that you don't "over-build" the motor. If I remember correctly you'll be running a T-5Z? There's no sense in having a 400HP motor if the rest of drivetrain isn't set up to accept and safely transfer that power/torque to the ground. In stock form, the 351C 4V will spin the rubber off of your rear tires until you decide to let off of the gas pedal. Why build the engine with more power than you'll ever be able to use?

There is a big benefit to "keeping it simple".
 
Back
Top