Max Cam Lift w/Stock SBC valve covers?

Wondering about how big a cam I can get away with under my stock stamped steel "chevrolet" script covers. I plan on running "thick" gaskets and ofcourse I will install heavier springs/pushrods. I have my eye on Summit's grind that is .488/.488 - I have stock pressed-in studs, will this work? What do you guys think?

 

You should be ok with that cam, its not too crazy. If you want to run roller rockers, you will need tall valve covers.

 

You should get the studs converted to screw in. The clearance is not function of the cam lift but rather using roller rockers. You can use long slot manley rockers with no problems.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MAN-43140/

 

you could also run the roller tip stock type rocker under the short cover

 

You should be fine with that cam, I doubt the studs will pull out . You can also pin them if you dont want to do a bunch of machine work, I'm guessing it's a budget based on picking a summit cam .
Steel Roller tips are a good upgrade too . You could keep an eye out for valce cover spacers if you want full rollers and want the rocker covers you have .

 

The duntov 30-30 was about that lift, and it never stopped them back then