Installing roller tip rockers....

[Cliff Beer]

Have to warn you in advance here - another rookie question here that might be a little goofy to those veteran SBF specialists on the forum.....

I have standard/non-roller tip rockers in my mild 302 (Ford Racing 302 345hp with the GT40 X heads) and I'd like to install some good quality roller tip rockers. I believe the engine has hydraulic/pressure fed lifters rather than solid lifters.

The search function yielded some great information but I still have a couple of questions:

1. What size rocker post bolts do I likely use for this engine?
2. Will I need new pushrods?
3. Will a new roller tip set up be self adjusting? Or do I need to set the clearances? Any recommended tips for adjusting?
4. I believe the present cam is pretty modest - use 1.6 or 1.7 rockers?
5. Any experience with the Ford Racing roller rockers?

Thanks in advance for any help here!

 

[John P]

If you presently have the stock rockers, they are normally called "bolt down" rockers and are held in place by a 5/16" bolt. There are roller rockers, by Crane and Com Cams and others, designed to directly replace the stock rocker, using the same 5/16 bolt. Your original pushrods can be used, but the preload must be checked. Pre load can be changed using shims under the rocker pedestals,( sold by Ford Motorsport) or slightly longer or shorter pushrods. About the only thing you will gain on a more or less stock engine is a very small HP increase, and slightly lower oil temps at the head. Don't even think about the rockers that have a roller tip and the stock type sled fulcrum, they are a waste of money.

You can sometimes gain a little using a 1.7 rocker, but in most cases the gain is negligible. The '93 Mustang Cobra used a die cast 1.7 rocker, but the cam was specifically ground for the 1.7 rockers.

Most all the valve train parts sold by Ford Performance Parts are actually made by Crane Cams, including the cams, ( the FRPP "E" cam is the same thing as a Crane 2040 cam). John

 

[Cliff Beer]

John, thank you, that's good information and very helpful.

I'll do a search for preload and see what I can dig up. I think I'm in good shape to move ahead with it. I'll take it slow and careful.

Much appreciated.

 

[Rob]

Hi Cliff,
My two cents...
Roller rockers are certainly a good idea.
I pretty much agree with all of Jay's comments.
I've used the FMS rockers (aka Crane) and have been pleased
Ratio decision is really about the math and cam choice. Are you changing your cam...... what cam options do I have..... do I want a little more lift.... do I have valve to piston clearance etc etc. Using the 1.7 is an easy way to get a little extra lift if you can use it.
Regarding the stuff about the push rods and pedistal bolts.... I don't use em...can't stand em. I convert over to studs and plates so they are adjustable. With changing to screw in adjustables, I'd certainly go up to 3/8" studs.
With going to screw in studs, you don't have to worry about changing the push rods (assuming set up geometry is good). Also, being hydraulic, once set, you shouldn't have to adjust them.

Hope this ramble help.....