I've got this type of rocker (below) on my windsor. Is there another type? One with little extensions to control rocker movement, perhaps??? Pics would be appreciated. Motor is an Aussie 302 with US 289 heads....no difference really, but you never know what might help here.
do your heads have close tolerance slots for the pushrods or round holes ? ifyou have round holes you need the rockers with the guides on the valvestem(rail type) end and if you have slots use the type you have with hardened pushrods since the pushrods will contact the sides of the slots.also the valve stems used with the rail type rockers are a little longer and if you use rail rockers on a slotted head you will pop the keepers and drop a valve. hope that helps. skull
They have the close tolerance slots. I'm trying to get away without having to remove the press in studs and changing to screw in and guide plates....read: easiest way!! It's the slot which is worn that's caused the rod to move, pushing the rocker around and bending the rod. Kind of a viscious circle kinda thing.
if your valves are good it might be less expense to have the heads machined for screw-in studs and guide plates.but if you are replacing the valves use valves for late 289,302,and rail rockers .either way its goin to cost you. Skull
Maybe in the States...not here. MKK: what fool runs around without caps? Actually, I only paid $50 for my set!
I have a set of '69 351w heads that I took apart. I can find the valves and springs, but I cant find the rockers. must have put them somewhere important . Anyway, the heads dont have the close tolerance slot. They are the rail type that skull63 was talking about. They have the pressin studs with the shoulder. You tighten down the rocker untill it contacts the shoulder- no adjustment. The 289 in my dad's '67 mustang also has rail type rockers. The studs dont have the shoulder though (the studs are like the early 289 heads you have) so they are adjustable. I'll keep on looking for those rockers to try and get a pic. Not sure if I'll ever find them in that garage though .
It's cool guys. I think I've got it sussed. A fella gave me the rocker I was after last night. It has the rails. Thanks to a lurker out there (Tom), I know I'm on the right track now. It appears I have an earlier type rocker for the 289. The rail-type came later on the 302s. From what I've learned this can be a common problem for the windsors when fitted with a hotter cam and heavier valve springs. Looks like roller rockers are on the cards....along with some Edelbrock heads!!! VIVA LA HAMB!!!
Might want to look into those Pro Topline heads. Would they be cheep for you to get, because they are made in New Zealand?
Maybe. I'll have to see if I can find them (links/prices) as it'll be a matter of comparing what I need/get from the US to fully furnish them Vs what I can get here too.
You should contact 4eva4banger aka Greg Stokes cos he works for pro topline (or he may even own the company - I don't know for sure) he comes onto thsi boad regularly I think so that could be a good answer for you.
Another thing to consider, is to make the rocker arm slots longer. with a higher lift cam, the rockers bottom out on the stud. this will cause the rocker to break in half. been there and had that happen. even the after market stock type rockers donot have a long enough slot..it just comes down to how long { miles}, it takes to break them.
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