'69 Olds, 350 , 2bbl,, Mundello's 10.25 flat tops, their version of the ''thumper'' cam and lifters, composite head gaskets, and original valve train.....problem is, too much valve, rocker arm , clearance, some rockers are even loose ! The original set up is non adjustable bolts in the pivots. Can I replace these bolts with studs , so they can be adjusted ??????If so , who makes these studs ?? Is this a common problem ???????/// Or am I doing something wrong ??????thanks

 

Let's see ... you installed a cam which likely has a smaller base circle than the original cam, thus dropping the lifters and pushrods lower. Then you installed head gaskets which are thicker than the originals, thus raising the heads and rockers higher. Yup, you've now got excessive clearance.

You can buy a pushrod length checker, or figure out some other way to measure exactly what length pushrod you need. Then buy those pushrods (will likely be custom) and bolt your non-adjustable, original rockers back on. Problem solved.

Or you can move to an adjustable rocker arm setup. Comp Cams makes a simple one which is fairly popular. Buy the kit that comes with studs, crimp nuts, pushrods, and guideplates. Or there's any number of other, more expensive (and generally better) adjustable rockers out there from several vendors. But no matter which arms you choose, you still need to check the pushrod length and be willing to purchase the correct length if needed. The adjustable arms give you a little lattitude in pushrod length, but it still has to be close to perfect.

 

thanks, I guess that answers my question