Larry, Steve,
This summer I finally replaced the Crane Gold Race roller rockers I first
purchased in 1979. I had them rebuilt in 1986, but this time they were too
far gone - at least in my opinion, I didn't ask Crane. I was appalled at how
expensive the new set was - about $350. The next big surprise when I got
them was they were way bigger than the old ones. It looked hopeless to get
them all stuffed inside the stock steel valve covers. However, using double
gaskets and a few tricks I finally got them in - and without lowering the
engine. They would fit even better if I grind some off the outside edges of
the first and last one on each side; that's where the main interference
point is and, of course, this would make them easier to get off and on and
require a less thick gasket.
I'm sold on roller rockers for a number of reasons. Among them is oil
control, which means that, as Larry notes, there is no need for the oil
baffles when you use roller rockers because there is a lot less oil flying
around inside the covers. The more important reasons are less friction and
less wear and, with the poly locks, that means you don't have to readjust
solid lifters nearly as often. But the main reason I first bought them was
the high lift cam broke the studs because the stock rockers didn't have
enough range of motion. (BTW, I know there are stock style rockers with
increased slot clearance.)
Bob
|