MICHAEL HANSON RIP *NM*

[Joe L.]

Re: My Thoughts

Terry------

Yes, I think that I have a real answer to the question you posed. Some time ago when I was trying to get an answer to that very same question I got so many different answers that I didn't have an answer. So, I just purchased a set of Comp Cams Pro Magnum roller rockers to find out for myself, once and for all.

I checked the rocker-to-valve cover clearance using modeling clay at all 16 positions with stock-type valve covers WITHOUT drippers (I don't plan or want to use dripper style valve covers for this application) AND using very thin valve cover gaskets (Earle's aluminum/rubber composite). I had PLENTY of clearance; WAY MORE than enough. In fact, with approximately 1/2" thickness of modeling clay placed at both ends and the rocker nut, I got no contact, AT ALL, when I rotated the engine through several revolutions by hand. I didn't bother to go further since I was very satisfied with the clearance.

For the heck of it, I did a cursory check with valve covers with drippers. I think that there would be no problem with these rockers, either. However, it might be necessary to use thick Fel-Pro Cork-Lam gaskets and/or slightly bend a few of the drippers. As I say, I did no extensive clearance testing with these since I don't plan to use them.

The Comp Cams Pro-Magnum roller rockers are a very high quality piece. I am 100% satsfied with them so far. I had thought seriously about purchasing Comp Cams stainless steel roller rockers or Crower stainless steel roller rockers instead of the Pro Magnum. However, both of those appeared to have a slightly greater cross section than the Pro Magnum. So, I didn't want to take a chance that the extra size would cause valve cover interference problems. As it stands now from my clearance tests with the Pro Magnum rockers, I feel that either of the other ones I mentioned would probably work fine. But, I didn't know that previously so I went with what I thought was the "safer" choice.

[Joe L.]

Addendum

By the way, just so there's no confusion here, the Comp Cams Pro Magnum rockers are the FULL roller rocker arms with large needle bearing trunnion and roller tip. They are manufactured from 8650 chromemoly steel. They are NOT in any way related to Comp Cams Magnum rockers which are the rocker ball type rockers with only a roller tip.

[Frank C.]

Re: Now That "Everyone's" Leaving.......

I'm not leaving this board until I get some answers. Then I'll make my decision.

[Terry F.]

Re: My Thoughts

I think the pro magnum advertises a light rocker tip which is good. They require very little oil. I noticed when looking at different rocker nuts (they have a neat name for them that escapes me) they also come in different lengths and you can get some that are relatively short for clearance. Strength is important but I don't need anything as stong as what you need and I think they are rated up to 800 pounds or something freaky like that at compressed spring height. Please understand, I don't claim to understand all the in's and outs of this stuff. Do you know if they need to be self-aligning or not? If you have push rod guides, I assume they don't need to be self aligning?? I am hoping to pull my engine this spring and get it done right. I am looking forward to going through the heads. I will use TRW forged aluminum pistons, factory cam profile, full roller rockers, new single piece pushrods, new rocker studs, new springs and valves, etc, etc. I look forward to building a snappy 390hp. I sort of wonder about the carb since it is original if it should be jetted differently or not because of modern gasoline. I read that these engines essentially don't perform the same with todays gas but can be improved on with different jetting. Do you have an opinion on it?? I will have to read that article again. I think it was in Corvette fever. Terry

[Terry F.]

Re: Addendum

Yup, I got that. From what I have heard on the board, you can really only benifit the most from a full roller rocker arm. Rocker tip velocity thing. Rocker arm and rocker tip need to be as light as possible. Take care, Terry

[Tom R.]

Amen

...to what he said

[Joe L.]

Re: My Thoughts

Terry------

The rocker nuts that are supplied with the Pro Magnum rockers are about as "low profile" as you're going to get. Certainlt, they're as low of a profile as will work with the Pro Magnum rockers and still allow you to rotate the hex nut with a wrench. Most of the others on the market, including ARP, are taller.

I don't think that self-aligning rockers are made for big blocks; all big blocks use guideplates. In any event, self-aligning rockers are unnecessary AND SHOULD NOT BE USED when guide plates are also used.

I think the place to start with the carb jetting and metering rods is the stock configuration. Go from there.

[Terry F.]

Re: My Thoughts

I will have to be careful. I will make sure everything else is right before I monkey with the carb. I think I will play with timing and advance curve first to get the most out of it. Is there any chance you have any pictures of what that windshield rope looks like to prevent spread of the windshield sealant? Sounds like a cloth wrapped rope. Thanks, Terry

[Joe L.]

Re: My Thoughts

Terry-----

I have no pictures of what you seek.

[Terry F.]

Re: My Thoughts

Your funny.... what I seek??? Corvette Master.... I seek knowledge of discontinued corvette parts. I will seek further and let you know if I find what it is that I am seeking. I have a lead on it, just waiting for they guy to send me pictures. I think it is worth reproducing. Terry

[Clem Z.]

this is not a problem with stock valve springs

but with roller rockers the pivot point is up higher on the stud than the stock stamped ones. when using roller cams and springs you NEED to use a stud girdle to prevent breaking the studs because of more forces exerted up higher on the stud

[Joe L.]

Re: My Thoughts

Terry-----

My regular use of the term "what you seek" is a "throw-back" and remembrance of my favorite comedian of all time----Redd Foxx. Foxx used to have a line that he regularly used in which he said "...if unique is what you seek...". I Borrow all of it or part of it and every time I do, I smile thinking about Redd Foxx.