[65BlueHorse]

I have a '66 289 that i am going to change heads on when i can manage to save enough money, hopefully soon. I have pretty much decided on the AFR165 part #1399(Here). I am going to get new pushrods that can be used with the guide plates and i also want to get new rocker arms. I figure that if i am spending the money i want to do it right. I don't think i should put the original stamped rockers on if i am buying new ones so this brings me to my question. I found some roller tip rockers that i am thinking about getting made by comp cams (Here) that look like the original ones except the tip, obviously. Are they good or should i go with a full roller rocker arm? Unfortunately money is a big issue here so are the full roller rockers worth all the extra money? Also if i get full roller ones do they adjust up the same as the original style or do they need adjusted differently?

My engine is a 289 with stock bottom end with standard 4" bore. I have an edelbrock performer intake, 600cfm carb, and a .5 lift cam. It is not a race engine by any means but i like to gain any power i can and upgrade durability.

[cindys_sn95]

the comp roller tips are good, but for a few dollars more you can get full roller rockers. worth the money. and yes they adjust the same.

[65BlueHorse]

Do i need 1.6 or 1.7 ratio rocker arms? Does it make a difference? I'm thinking 1.6 but don't know.

Also if i would decide to go with the full roller style would proform or summit name brand be good enough or do i need to get something like comp cams, trickflow, ford racing, etc. name brand? I don't want to spend anymore than i have to because i would like to change heads before to long and it is turning out to be a lot more expensive than i thought. I know that most times you get what you pay for and i don't want to buy junk or something that will break and hurt my motor.

Thanks for the help

[cindys_sn95]

1.6s will be fine. and the summit rocker arms are very nice, i have used them.

[65BlueHorse]

Originally Posted by cindys_sn95

1.6s will be fine. and the summit rocker arms are very nice, i have used them.

Thanks. If i can use the summit ones i think thats the way i will go. I wanted full roller but the cost was making me lean toward just roller tip. The summit ones aren't to much more though so i think i can handle it.

[65BlueHorse]

Do you know what part number you got? Summit has 2 full roller rocker arms. The only differences that i can see is max spring diameter, the slot width, and $45. Both will fit my springs but i don't know what slot width is. They have .730 and .600 both fit 3/8 stud which is what i am getting. Does the slot width change how much lift you can have?

[The Greek]

What that's referring to is the wider slot allows for more valve lift. I don't think that the wider slot is going to be necessary with a camshaft with .500" lift.

The Summit roller rockers are a good buy. Everything that I've bought with their name on it has lasted without any problems. I just bought one of their new carbs. It's a redesigned Holley 4010, which is a clone of the desireable Autolite 4100.

The 1.6 ratio rocker will put less stress on the valve train than the 1.7s. This is good especially when using a flat tappet cam. Installing the 1.7s would increase the valve lift to about .512", but you will need to watch for valve spring coil bind and check for it before using them. For your purpose and dependability I'd go with the 1.6 ratio. It's what the valve train was designed to use. The roller rockers are going to free up some ponies and with your AFR heads, a nice combination.

[mccance]

one other possibility you might look into. when I built my engine I bought everything from paw. and they have there own branded roller rockers which when I asked about them, they they told me that they are basically rebranded comp cams roller rockers. they were right around $200 but that has been a few years. the other thing that you want to think about is valve clearance, with the 1.6 ratio you should be fine but the 1.7 might get you into trouble. I would recommend the modeling clay trick before you buttoned it up permanently if you try the 1.7's

has anyone had any experience with the patriot performance aluminum heads? they seem to be from a reputable company and they are 935 bucks fully assembled.
https://www.patriot-performance.com/...&cat=31&page=1

[65BlueHorse]

Thanks for all the help. I will go with the 1.6 ratio. I don't want to chance any unnecessary problems. I will check on the paw's. It will either be that or the summit namebrand. I think i am done with the questions now but i will still take any other suggestions or advice.