Just picked up a set of comp 1.6 full roller rockers used for 100 bucks with no wear. They came with studs and nuts as well, but I'd rather use a new set to be safe. I believe stock thread pitch for the rocker arm bolts is 3/8, and summit and eBay offer a few stud kits with different style girdles.

My question here is are there benefits to the larger, one-piece girdle that sits over all eight rocker arms on each head, versus the smaller style that connect both rocker studs over each cylinder separateately? Or is the large one piece used in addition to the other smaller ones?

 

For a stock L69 you don't need ANYTHING LIKE a stud girdle. That's WAY overkill for such an application.

Have your heads already been converted over to use screw-in studs? Stock L69 heads used pressed-in studs.

 

Stud girdle is not needed until you get in to the 7000+ rpm range and/or like .620" lift and above. It's to help hold the valvetrain ridged/straight, not allow any flex. This is not a prob on lower RPM and low/mild lift cams.

If your using a L69 engine/ heads you will never be in the range that needs the stud girdle.

Like damon said, unless your heads are already drilled for screw in rocker studs, or you will be having them machined for screw in studs, then you can not replace the studs, as the factory studs are pressed into the heads

 

Alright well that solves that then. Heads are bone stock so studs won't work without machining then. I take it stock studs aren't recommended for roller rockers?

 

Stock pressed in studs are fine with roller rockers. Not a prob there.
It's total valve lift, spring pressure, and RPM that you have to look at.

Pressed in studs can pull out of the heads when you start getting around .500", 110 lb + spring pressure, 6,000 rpm.. Add in one of those and you might be ok, add all of those together and you will sooner pr latter pull a stud.

 

Cool thanks for the help dude. Stock cam still so even with 1.6 RR I won't come close to .500 and stock redline and springs I should be good. Can I reuse the stock nuts or should I get a new set to be safe? 127k on motor

 

The nuts that came with your full roller rockers should be poly lock set screw type nuts and should be 100% fine to reuse.

If they are the full rollers then you must use those longer style poly locks, the stock style pinch nut and ball will nut fit.