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After searching through the archives, I have learned (thanks to Joe Lucia) that GM only sells self aligning rocker arms now. I need a set of good stock old style rockers (NON-ALIGNING) for my '65 327/300 with original heads. Anyone have any recommendations and possible part #s for aftermarket. Thanks guys...
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Re: Best aftermarket stock NON self aligning rocke
I bought a set of Crane rockers (non self-aligning) from Summit Racing. I had originally ordered a set of GM rockers before this - not knowing that GM now only carries the self aligning type rocker arms. The Crane part# is 11800-16. Summit also carries their 'in house' brand of rockers, too. -
Re: Best aftermarket stock NON self aligning rocke
Andy-----
The BEST aftermarket, original style, non-self-aligning rocker arms are manufactured by Crane and called "Nitro-Carb". Their name is a reference to the hardening process used. These rocker arms are FAR-AND-AWAY the best stock style rocker arms on the market. These things used to be VERY expensive. However, the price has come way down. You can get a set from a discount supplier like Summit or Jegs for about $125. The part number you want is Crane #11801C-16.
If I were going to use stock-type rockers on any Chevrolet engine, the Nitro Carb rockers or stock GM are the ONLY ones that I would use. Actually, I prefer the Nitro-Carb to stock GM and it's not too often that I prefer aftermarket over GM.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Addendum
Andy-----
By the way, something else I should have mentioned: there is absolutely no reason why you cannot use the self-aligning rockers for your application, either GM or Crane Nitro Carb (they make the self-aligning type as well as non self aligning). The self-aligning rockers will SERVICE all Chevrolet small blocks, including those not originally equipped with them. I don't recommend them for mechanical lifter applications, though, since they make valve adjustment more difficult.
However, the self-aligning rockers provide most of the benefits of guide plates without the need for guide plates. For a 327, none of which were ever originally manufactured with guide plates, the self aligning rockers represent a functional improvement. I would use them without hestitation on any hydraulic lifter small block. As far as originality goes, it's pretty hard to discern this feature on any 55-68 small block engine.
Self-aligning rockers should never be used in conjunction with guide plates, though.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Addendum
Joe,
Thanks for your recommendation, I just looked it up at the Jeg's site.
From what I have seen, small blocks with self aligning rockers have much larger push rod openings through the heads. The old heads have very small openings; it seems to me there would be a binding problem with the push rod and head in the old heads with small openings and self aligning rockers. Why would GM enlarge these holes when self aligning rockers where introduced? Just my opinion, I've been wrong before. I would rather buy the GM rockers if they work.
AndyComment
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Re: Addendum
Andy-----
GM replaced the non-self-aligning rockers with the self-aligning type for SERVICE of all 55+ small block applications. This strongly implies that GM considers these rockers to be a fully functional replacement for engines originally using non-self-aligning rockers. I have used them on a 1969 350 which has the "small hole" heads and had no problems, whatsoever, throughout engine rotation. However, I can't guarantee that this would be the case for every small block. To be safe, perhaps you should go with the non-self-aligning type.
One thing that you could do if you wanted to use the self-aligning type: purchase just one of the GM self-aligning rockers (GM #10089648). Install this rocker on each valve with the pushrod also installed. Rotate the engine through 2 crankshaft revolutions and note whether there is any interference between the push rod and the cylinder head. Check all 16 valves this way. If you note no interference, then you can use the self-aligning rockers. If there is interference, then you can't.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Addendum
Joe,
I didn't know GM was using the later rockers to service '55 and up. I would prefer the self aligning rockers if there are no problems. The holes could be drilled out to match the later heads but I don't want to cut up my original heads. I like your idea for checking interference, that would prove it either way. I will probably go with your original recommendation; millions of the old non aligning rockers have gone many trouble free miles.
Thanks for your help and the part #'s Joe.
AndyComment
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i would be careful using self aligning ones
on older style heads with the double"D" pushrod guide because there has to be 3 points in correct alignment,pushrod,rocker stud and the valve stem tip to prevent binding and this is a crap shoot. also if the tips of the valve stems have been ground down to smooth them up they could be too short and the rockers could hit the keysComment
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