Torque specs for rocker arm stands on aluminum heads

[HSSS427]

I have a 427 side oiler with Shelby American aluminum heads. Had to take the rocker arm assembly off one side. What are the proper torque specs for the rocker arm assembly stands? I've put it back on and SWAGed it at 36 lbs right now. Want to make sure this is correct.
Thanks!
Scott

[GEORGE ANDERSON]

Scott...not sure what stand fasteners you're using...see these typical instructions.

Dove Rockers

also you might want to check the chamfer on the bottom of the Rocker stand on the oiling holes to be sure it's slightly larger than the oil hole on the Shelby Head.



The left view is before an additional chamfer is machined on the bottom of the stand.


George

[HSSS427]

BTW, your reputation on the site preceeds you so appreciate advice from a guru.

The current stands I think are actually Ford C4AE parts. Here's a picture


As such, these don't have the oil hole you seem to picture. Should I get new stands? and what should I be torquing these too?

Also, while I have a moment of your time, would appreciate if you might comment on another thread I have called 427 so compression test

In particular any thoughts on the dyno test results on the second page.

Thanks!
Scott

[Carnut427]

HSSS427, I'm not the guru you're looking for, but I can answer your oiling question. One stud on each head should be undercut (smaller in diameter in the center of the stud) to carry oil from the hole in George's picture to the rocker shafts. No matter what stands you have, it appears you must countersink the hole on the bottom of the stand that goes on this stud so that the oil can get from the head, around the thread insert and follow the path between the undercut stud & stand up to the rocker shafts.
Clear as mud?
Good Luck,
Dan

[ERA Chas]

Hsss,
I noticed in your photo that you have what look like Dove un-bushed rockers as well as spring type spacers between rockers.
Both are less than desirable. Hope George gets on here with his expert preferences.
I too have stage II Shelby heads, but the rest of the combo is Harland Sharp rockers [with bushing] FPP mr stands and end stands, FPP solid spacers and FPP hardened shafts.
Been bullet proof to 7000 for five years.

[bobt427]

I have a Cummins diesel engine shop manual that has bolt torque specifications for all sizes & grades of bolts.I think the FE rocker arm shaft bolts are 3/8-16 or course thread. Grade 8-16 Torque into cast iron would be 40 ft-lb,and aluminum is 30 ft-lb.

[mr0077]

Scott, don't know about Shelby heads, but Edelbrock recommends 45-50 ft-lbs for their aluminum heads.

[HSSS427]

Seems like I've got a hand full of things I can do to improve the heads:
- Countersink the stands I have, or get higher performance stands
- Get solid rocker arm spacers, and maybe higher performance arms
- I've got the torque at 36, so that seems to split the difference between the 30 and 40-45 suggestions. Will try to call Shelby and see what they say as well.
Thanks!
Scott