[Stratdeath]

Hello. I'm working on a 302 engine. It is in my 68' Coupe, but its a 79' block. It has non-adjustable rocker arms. I am trying to figure out the best way to set them correctly. I have just changed the cam, timing chain, lifters, etc. I have read that all you do is torque them to 18-20 ft lbs and youre done. But I'm not totally convinced that would set them up right. I don't want to break anything. Any ideas are welcome

[BenC]

Hey Stratdeath, The book is right about setting the non-adjustable rockers. However, that is for a stock cam and stock hydraulic lifters, with factory length pushrods. Alot can change when you start adding performance parts. What is the size of the cam (lift, dur., lobe separation)? I personnaly have never used non-adjustable rockers with any aftermarket cam. You should call the tech line of the cam manufacturer and give them you engine specs. They should be able to tell you if it will work or not, but there are alot of things you should check. I am only assuming that you left the heads on? What lifters are you using? What valve springs and what are thier specs.? You should check valve to piston clearance (although if the heads are still on I don't know of a way to do it), coil bind, rocker bind ( is the slot long enough for the added lift). But all that depends on the size of the cam. For all I know you are installing a new, stock cam, and all I have rambled on about doesn't matter. What are the cam specs? Don't install it, tighten it down and start it, until you are sure that everthing is compatable. Hope this helps. Your Friend, Ben

[Twister]

as long as the pushrods and lifters are for that cam, don't worry, and torque it down in 3 steps....

[Stratdeath]

This engine came with my car, so I'm not sure about the specs of most everything. However, the heads and valve springs are stock. I did leave the heads on when changing the cam. The new cam is a Comp cam, Magnum with .512 I think. I got this cam from a friend, so specs were hard to find. I think it is a Comp 280 series. Lifters are hydraulic, with stock pushrods.

[BenC]

Hey stratdeath, You NEED to check the rocker geometry also in your particular case. It will definatly change as you are using the same length pushrods for a smaller cam. With the bigger cam it could possibly put to much angle on the rocker at full lift, so it will be closer to the side of the valve stem. If it is too extreme it could damage the keeper, NOT GOOD. It can also cause excessive side load on the valve, which will result in premature guide wear. The rocker should start its travel as close to the center as possible, and at full lift should also be as close to the center as possible. On a non-adjustable rocker this is done with shorter pushrods. You can make a homemade pushrod length checker, or get one from Summit, they are not that expensive. You should be O.K. as the cam is not that large, but I would definately check it out first. It is ALOT cheaper to do it right the first time, trust me I learned that the hard way a long time ago. Good Luck, Ben