How do I choose rockers?

[Rich77]

Hey guys,

I've got a sbc400, punched out to 406.
I have some aluminum heads. The heads are 200/64.
How do I choose rockers? Do I need guide plates? Self-aligning?
1.5 or 1.6? Full roller rockers?
Aluminum or steel?

Any help appreciated.

 

[bucket]

If the pushrod holes in the heads are just round, you need guide plates. They should be round, I'm not aware of any aftermarket heads, or aluminum heads at all, that have slotted holes to guide the push rods.

You can use self-guided rockers instead of guide plates, but with standard rockers you have more options.

The rest depends on what you need and want out of the engine. Do you have a cam already that you want to use? Do you need to run stock height valve covers to clear accessory brackets?

 

[Rich77]

So if I use self-aligning I don't need to worry about guide plates?

I do have a cam.

What accessory brackets would cause me to not be able to run high valve covers?

 

[Rich77]

This is the cam I have-

https://www.jegs.com/i/COMP-Cams/249/12-246-3/10002/-1

My heads are threaded for 7/16 studs.
I thought I’d go with self-aligning, 7/16, 1.6, full roller rockers... they’re tough to find.

 

[bucket]

The valve cover issue depends on what accessory setup you have, A/C, etc. Full roller rockers often need tall covers.

If you already have a cam that is ideal, just stick with 1.5:1 rockers. Going with 1.6:1 is going to slightly increase the lift and duration of the cam.

 

[Rich77]

Thank you!

 

[Craig Nedrow]

Also remember that higher ratios will open your valve slightly earlier, as well as the lift.

 

[78C10BigTen]

The valve cover issue depends on what accessory setup you have, A/C, etc.

Also older cruise moduals on the back of the head require short covers. Speaking from experience

 

[Poppy 87]

If you use guide plates get hardened push rods

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