I know nothing about rocker arms aside what they do...

i bought them from a thirdgen members.... roller rockers...someone told me that if i change to these rockers i need to change the pushrods or they will mushroom....is it true?

stock 305 heads...

btw how do i install these?

 

I've been told that you shouldn't need new pushrods. However, I have a 350, so that may make a difference, I'm not sure. What's important to look at is if the pushrod slot or hole in the head needs to be enlarged so the pushrod doesnt bind. Those higher ratio rockers are going to push it past its previous limits, so when you install the rockers, turn the engine slowly with a bump-start switch or with a deep socket on the crank, and see if the pushrods are hitting the hole edges. Do you see what
I mean?

As for installation, just take off your valve covers (might want to disconnect the negative terminal first, you don't want to hit your valve cover on the alternator's positive terminal....).
Then just take the nuts off your rocker studs and pull the arms off (its pretty self-explanatory). For each individual arm you put on, you're going to need to make sure that you have that valve closed.

The order goes like this while turning the engine over:
1) Intake valve opens with piston going down (intake stroke)
2) Intake valve closes, then piston comes up (compression stroke)
3) Piston goes down, both valves closed (combustion stroke)
4) Exhaust valve opens, piston goes up (exhaust stroke)

Obviously there's more than just one time each valve is closed, so just look at the valves and figure out which stroke you are on, follow it until you know your chosen valve will be closed.

Put the new arm on the chosen stud and, while turning the pushrod (so you can feel resistance), crank down the nut slowly until you feel resistance on the pushrod. This is called "zero lash." If you have hydraulic lifters, you'll want to go another 1/2 turn to compensate for the preload in the lifter. If you have solid lifters, you'll probably just want to tighten it another 1/8 turn just to make sure you've got it where it won't "click". Techniques vary, and this is just one, but it works. Do this for each rocker arm. If you need more help, just ask. You can do a search and find other ways to adjust the rocker arms, everybody does it a little differently.

 

no need to change push rods, you do need to make sure that you replace your rockers with the same type, either SA or non SA

 

SA non-SA ?


how do i know?

 

Self aligning rockers have little lips on the end of the rocker on the side that contacts the valve. On roller rockers they look like washers on each side of the roller that touches the valve stem.

 

not to take over the thread (a resounding answer to the question has already been given),

I am about to order a camshaft, do I need to get new push rods for that? I already have 1.6 rollers and stiffer springs. The cam comes with lifters and lube, and I'm going to get the gaskets.

Is there anything else I need? someone suggested a new timing chain and gear, anything else?

Thanks!

 

put the stock push rod in and roll the motor over by hand and watch the roller on the valve stem,if it rolls off the stem or real close you will need longer push rods.yes get a new timing set.

 

Hopefully he's solved it by now, 5 months later!

 

Really funny thing...

I actually put the rockers on two days ago....

and im sorry fellas i didnt listen to any of yours advise...i opened the left valve covers, took the old rockers off, put the new rockers on and tightend them till the rockers were just barely snug, then i started the engine, i went through each rocker. Starting at the first one i backed the nut off till it started ticking then i slowly tightend it till it stopped ticking and i went a little bit more, i did that to all the rockers.

Oil didnt squirt everywhere, there would be a small puddle that would form but it didnt go all over. I noticed an immediate power difference, pretty cool IMHO

 

Yeah as long as you don't rev the motor, the oil will stay right there in the head, but if you accidentally rev it not thinking, oil will go everywhere and burn off of your headers and everything.

It's quite a mess.

Glad you like 'em.