My fellow Olds friends,

I am looking for some of your recommendation for adjustable rockers for my 68 455

My requirements are:

1) They need to fit under the stock valve covers. (Tight fit in my GBody)

2) They need to fit on C heads with original studs size 5/16. (I may have to bore and tap out to 7/16)
3) only for street application 390hp.
4) and be reliable.

Hopefully someone with experience in adjustable rockers can chime in and I thank you for your recommendations

cheers,

John

 

I have a cheap set I bought from Dave Smith, not sure they are still in business anymore? Not a real quality set, but I have had it for about 20 years no problem, but I don't drive the car much also. It is kind of a cross between factor Olds and aftermarket.I have a Engle 22-25-10 cam, and they told me that is about the max their set would work on. Bought a set of Comp from a guy on this site, about a month ago, have not installed, but he said he took the off a stock motor.

 

I know the Comp rockers with the studs that screw into the 5/16" threads in a stock head will fit under stock valve covers. I actually used the Crane studs and guide plates for the SBF, as they have slightly less height than the Comp parts. I also like the plastic inserts in the guide plates, as this avoids the need for hardened pushrods. These rockers need pushrods that are longer than stock in all cases. Check geometry carefully.

 

I have the Harland Sharp rockers under the stock valve covers. I used a 3/8 spacer I bought off eBay for a little extra clearance. No leaks, plenty of room, no accessory mounting bracket clearance issues, looks stock. Going on probably 10 years of use.

 

I used the Harland Sharp shaft mounted rockers and took the baffles out of the stock valve covers and fit fine with stock gaskets.

 

Make sure that you discard the crimp nuts in the Comp 1442 kit, and use the short ARP locking nuts.

I have had this set up in my 442 for over 10 years with no issues.

Fits fine under stock valve covers.

 

My 442, why are you saying not to use the nuts that come with the kit?

 

I am not a fan of those types of nuts, as they are distorted to grip the stud threads.

They may work for a one time install, but if you remove them more than once, they could work loose.

The set screw version of the locking nuts works better and is more reliable.

IMHO

 

I’ve had ^^^ on my 455 for years, no issues.