Thread: Roller Rockers on a 350

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Here is one for the experts.
I have a freshly rebuilt 350, with a .196-.204 cam, Performer manifold, Edelbrock EGR 350. It has been bored .060 with 64cc heads. Stock HEI.
It seems wimpy, although my wife is scared to death with it. I am going to have to adjust the rockers, and the work involved to do that, I am seriously considering going roller rockers.
I have played around with 1.5's, 1.6's, 1.5 and 1.6. I am at this point thinking going a mix is the best of both worlds.
Will there be a push rod strike with the 1.6 rockers? Each manufacturer I have spoken to has told me two different stories. It will rub, it won't rub, it won't rub, it will rub. On, and on.
I already figuire I will have to go with high rocker covers. No biggie. I will also need advice on adjusting the rockers whether I stay stock, or go aftermarket.
Next question, is there an actual advantage with full rollers, or, is the tip roller, or stock configuireation 1.6 ok?
I am still taking in advice before I make the plunge. I need all the information I can get.
Thanks.
Doc

about how much does roller rockers increase horsepower?

I have not fired my engine yet but it has a mild cam with 194/204 degrees at 0.050" and I am aiming for good torque at low rpm to run in 4th gear OD of my 700R4 at around 1800-2000 rpm with 1.5 roller-tipped rockers on the intakes and 1.6 roller-tipped rockers on the exhausts. See Ryan's Dyno runs up around No. 54 or so where it is clear that with a short duration cam the 1.6 rockers on the exhaust give more torque, but I also want reasonable economy with 882 heads so I will use 1.5 ratio rockers on the intakes. Roller-tips are supposed to reduce friction to the extent of as much as 20 degrees cooler oil and I am interested in running cooler with a marginal '29 Ford style radiator. Check out:

http://www.ryanscarpage.50megs.com/combos1.html

for the effect of 1.6 rockers on exhaust valves. I do wonder about pushrods rubbing in the slots of the heads but I am going to check them for clearance before I button it all up (soon). Thus the advantages of roller-tipped rockers is a little cooler oil and higher lift with a mild cam. Some folks say 1.6 ratio rockers add about 20 H.P. and shift the peak H.P. up a few hundred rpm, but I am mainly interested in low rpm torque and the dyno runs on the Ryansgarage site show 1.6 rockers really help torque when used with a mild cam.

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder