I got the 302 and C-4 out over the weekend, and taking my time overhauling the motor. Are all rockers identical, or is there a difference between intake and exhaust? They look identical with different #'s stamped on each. Should I spend money to replace these rockers with "roller type", or save my money? If replace, any brand suggetions to use or avoid?
It depends on what else your planning on doing to the motor. If your hopping it up in any way, I'd get the rollers. If your just rebuilding to stock, I would'nt spend the money.
Yep, I agree, to get a full benefit of the change, if you decide to go that route, I would go with the full roller versions. This requires some machine work to the heads and screw in studs for adjustability. The roller tip ones are ok but really not worth it as far as performance goes, for the money. If sticking with the stock ones, be sure and check the tips for wear, and even more important, the pivot seat in the center. These tend to wear and gall up over time. One other thing, check all the valve spring pressure's too, you would be surprised at how much this helps for better engine performance and throttle response.
Once again you folks come though! Thanks. Hey Dave, how do I check the springs? Do I have to remove them from the head, or tested "in place"? I see the tester in Jegs catalog, but it gives no indication how it is used. Anybody know if I can rent one of these from Autozone?
Just get new springs. Old ones are just that, old. As for the rocker arms, Crane's "off brand" or Proform are good "Roller Rocker" arms. There is a difference between "roller" tip rocker arms and "Roller Rocker" arms. Make sure you get the "Roller" rocker arms. Your oil runs cooler, more HP due to accurate ratio. You'll probably have to get new valve covers to fit them. Factory rocker arms are all the same ratios on the 302s. Only thing you have to do is keep the arm and fulcrum together since they wear together.
