Hey guys, need your help. I'm building a TPI SBC 400, and have '87+ heads ready to bolt on. Because I'm going full roller setup, I need to know if stock center bolt valve covers will fit over these new aluminum roller rockers. I do not have a set of covers to test fit, and was going to order some used ones from Ebay. Near as I can tell, the stock covers are short style. I would prefer to stick with stock...if they fit. Thanks guys...

 

Depending on the rocker, they should fit but you'll probably need to "gut" the inside baffles of the valve covers.

 

Crane Gold narrow body rockers are made specifically for that kind of application (centerbolt valve covers). I have also found that I can make Harland Sharp roller rockers fit with EVER SO SLIGHT "massaging" of the valve cover breather box. Most other full-width roller rockers won't fit under without more serious surgery.

Also... watch the TYPE of rocker you are using. True stock 1987 centerbolt valve cover heads may or may not use self-aligning rockers. I have found they usually DO NOT, despite being centerbolt-style heads. 88-up are almost always self-aligning.

 

Running Comp Pro Magnum 1.52(?) rockers on my Vortec heads, VERY minor trimming of the stock valve covers and they work fine.

Just need to grind down part of the rolled lip on the center bolt post supports to clear the rocker trunnions.