85FBTranam

iTrader: (3)

Having difficultly locating information regarding Comp Cams Roller Rocker Arms. So they make two different styles 1412 and 1417 (self aligning).

Here is where the confusion starts. The website indicates 1412 for 1986 and older SBC's. The 1417 is recommended for 1987 and newer SBC's without guide plates.

The head I would like to use is the 14014416 head. 1.84 Intake and 1.5 Exhaust. Press in 3/8" studs.

Now without guide plates, the self aligning arms seem to be a better choice, but Tech Support says the 1417 will not work as it will pull out the press in studs and the 1412 will not work because there are no guide plates.

From searching the site, it seems lots of people are running these. What gives? Anyone have any suggestions? I am not expecting any significant gains, but they seem to be a better "upgrade" than stamped stock steel.

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

Pulling the studs out is related to cam lift / valve springs ; not the rocker style
Once you get to a certain spring pressure the rocker will try to lever the stud out instead of pushing the valve down

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1553950334-post7.html
http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/...hp?f=52&t=2746

PhoenixFirebird

iTrader: (2)

^Yes. The stud is the leverage point between the pushrod and the valve. Screw in studs are better of course since they don't have that chance of pulling out, but I don't see a rocker type having much of an effect on whether or not it pulls out. Aftermarket rockers insure the proper ratio, whereas a stamped stock steel may be off +/- .02 from what I've read. Assuming you're not using springs with crazy high spring rates or a massive lift cam, just run those rockers with the press in studs.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

'87-earlier used the pushrod holes to align the rocker. Look at them, they're more oval than round, and narrow.

'88-later opened up the pushrod holes and used "self-aligning" rockers - nubs on the valve end to keep the rocker centered on the valve stem tip. Self-aligning aftermarket roller tipped rockers typically use disks on the ends of the roller to keep them centered.

If you use guide plates on '87-older heads, you need to drill the pushrod holes round.

Only one type of alignment can be used. If you use guide plates and self-aligning rockers, for instance, you'll get bind between the two. Ditto guide plates and '87-earlier heads.

Don't get all bent up about the dividing line being '86-'87, or '87-'88. The listings often get off by a year, and '87 was a transition year for other things.

Look at your heads and see what pushrod holes you've got. All 416's were pushrod hole aligning unless somebody has drilled them out. If not drilled out, do NOT use self-aligning.

85FBTranam

iTrader: (3)

Thanks everyone for you advice. The 416 heads that I have are pretty much stock, the were degreaser, cleaned, straightened, crack checked, pressure tested and the valve guides were resized.

So based on the previous it would appear the non self aligning dollars are the way to go. Thanks much for the help.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Look at your heads and verify what the pushrod holes look like. With 20+ year old heads, never know what has been done to them. With press-in studs, most likely they haven't been modified, but better to be sure.

85FBTranam

iTrader: (3)

Heads are good. Don't look like they have been modified. Still have the oval push rod holes. Assume these are 3/8" as well?