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Hot Rods Cadillac query

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Barrelnose pickup, May 4, 2019.

  1. What is the actual bonus of using Studebaker rockers in a Cad motor?
     
  2. F&J
    Joined: Apr 5, 2007
    Posts: 13,291

    F&J
    Member

    Studebaker had adjustable rockers, Cadillac did not.
     
    falconsprint63 and catdad49 like this.
  3. 42merc
    Joined: Dec 19, 2010
    Posts: 981

    42merc
    Member

    In my opinion, none.
    The Stude rockers give you adjustability, but that's all.
    I can't quote rocker ratios right now but you lose lift with with them. Mainly with the 365 & 390's.
    Adjustable push rods would serve you better & the stock valve covers would fit.

    My opinion plus $3.50 will get you a cup of Star Bucks coffee.
     
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  4. mgtstumpy
    Joined: Jul 20, 2006
    Posts: 9,279

    mgtstumpy
    Member

  5. Thanks for the input,
    I know all about the adjustability,the fact that you only use the stude rockers themselves and they fit the Cad shafts,and the fact that you lose the lift also the way the ratio is.
    This is why I was asking,I actually see no benefit myself other than the adjustable side of things.
    To me losing the lift is going backwards I would of thought,maybe I’m just not seeing something?
    Thanks for the list of old threads on the subject,I just read them and all appears clear now,seems if you machine the heads or block,using the adjustable stude rockers can help sort out the geometry of the rocker gear to valve issues.
    You also need new pushrods as well due to the ball cups of the stude rockers being larger and possibly the length after matching may need changing.
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2019
    fiftyv8 likes this.
  6. Rusty O'Toole
    Joined: Sep 17, 2006
    Posts: 9,756

    Rusty O'Toole
    Member

    It used to be a common hop up trick to change from a hydraulic lifter cam to a solid lifter, high lift cam. Studebakers had solid lifters and adjustable rocker arms, so they put the Studebaker rocker arms in the Cadillac when they went to the solid lifter cam. In those days hydraulic lifters pumped up at about 4500RPM and performance poohed out. With a solid lifter cam you could rev to 6000RPMs or more.
    If the cam grinder knew you would be using Studebaker rockers they could grind the cam accordingly to make up for the lesser leverage. The alternative was aftermarket lifters from Gotha and others, that were a lot more expensive.
     
    loudbang, mgtstumpy and fiftyv8 like this.
  7. Thanks Rusty,that makes good sense!
     
  8. 42merc
    Joined: Dec 19, 2010
    Posts: 981

    42merc
    Member

    Late breaking news.
    After my earlier post (post #3) this morning, I drove to South Bend, IN & attended the Studebaker Drivers Club meet & swap, a national event. It's only a 25 mile drive for me.
    I talked to a couple of Studebaker parts vendors, one them being a racer the other a retired toolmaker. Both seemed to be well versed in Studey engines.
    I talked about rocker arms & they both said the stock ratio was 1:5 to 1. They also said the ratio varied somewhat & usually on the low side. The toolmaker laid that off to worn out tooling, as Studebaker was in money trouble during it's later life.

    The stock '55 to '66 Cadillac rocker arm ratio is 1:63 to 1, so there is no advantage to the Stude rocker. I don't know what the '49 to '54 Cad rocker ratio is.
    An interesting note is the Racer vendor had for sale on his table Harland Sharp aluminum roller rockers for Studes in 1:60 & 1:65 ratios. These as we know will fit the Cadillacs. I also believe you could contact Harland Sharp in Ohio & have them fabbed for your Caddy.
    Also on his table was a set of refurbished late Stude rockers, shafts & stands for $90.00.
    Overall it was worth the time this morning.
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2019
  9. Thanks 42merc, more good knowledge for the Cad guys. A lot to learn if one is willing to ask and listen.
     
    kadillackid likes this.

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