Roller rockers in a 427

Don McClelland · #1 (**permalink**) 04-08-2004, 05:21 PM

I am in the process of building a 427 and would like to use roller rockers. An aquaintance who has built several 427's told me that for street driving roller rockers are not the answer. He claims that they do not get enough oil under normal street driving conditions and are prone to failure. Is this true and if so is there a solution ie high volume oil pumt etc? I have a Comp cam and set of Comp roller rockers that I was planning to use.

Thanks for your thoughts

Don

Cracker · #2 (**permalink**) 04-08-2004, 05:33 PM

I have two FE's and both use roller rockers, the side-oiler/Jessel's & 428 CompCams system. Ironically, the adjustment you need to make is to LIMIT the oil to the head with an oil restrictor .090 hole in the center and about an inch long. George Anderson of Gessford Machine sells them ready to go or have your machine shop make them - one per side. Most fella's and I included use a Melling HV pump rather than HP unit. Oil pressure should be between 30-40 psi at idle and 75-95 wide open. Some will go outside of these parameters but around there you'll be fine. Don't worry about roller rockers in an FE - just reduce the oil to the head!

CJ428CJ · #3 (**permalink**) 04-10-2004, 09:05 AM

Don,

I'm running Erson roller rockers in mine with no problems but I have only about 2500 miles on them so far. From what I see on this bulletin board it seems like the majority of Cobra owners are running roller rockers. If they were as problematic as your friend claims, I would expect that they'd be a pretty hot topic on the board.

Chris

RICK LAKE · #4 (**permalink**) 04-10-2004, 05:28 PM

Cracker Have you looked into using hydro lifters with hollow pushrods with these rockers? I don't have my ersons yet but have adjustable iron rockers with this setup in my motor and no problem. I am limited the RPM to 6K chip in the MSD 6AL. I also have a small cam, 501-533. Car runs smooth with a 4 degree retard. Plenty of tork. Runs 12.50 in the 1/4 mile. Small block lifter are the same width but .300 long then solids. Would have to get special push rods from Smith brothers. They cost 150.00$ just my 2 cents. Rick Lake

Ron61 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-10-2004, 05:53 PM

Don,

I have roller rockers in both the stroker and big block and have had no problems at all with them. Have Cranes in the stroker and Ersons in the B/B.

Michael C Henry · #6 (**permalink**) 04-11-2004, 06:42 PM

I heard the same thing ,but I was asking about roller lifters.I have Dove roller rockers .flat tappet cam w/ shell lifters.tubular pushrods.

Cracker · #7 (**permalink**) 04-12-2004, 05:00 AM

Rick - If your talking about the Jesel's when asking about the hydro lifters and hollow pushrods then it would be No & Yes. We plugged the head oiling system (FE) and used solid lifers with oiling provisions through the pushrods to each rocker arm (Chevy system) which is an improvement for a real performance build anyway. The Comp (Dove) system retains the FE design and have not had any problems with them either and yes these are hydro lifters. Sorry if I didn't answer your question.

Michael C. Henry - I used to live in Tacoma! My father was stationed at Ft. Lewis and I still have friends and family there. I almost always stay with friends who live in University Place when in town - we should get together next time and I'll contact you in advance.

Michael C Henry · #8 (**permalink**) 04-12-2004, 07:13 PM

I work at Fort Lewis I could use a hand,still twinkng with the wiring

Cracker · #9 (**permalink**) 04-12-2004, 07:17 PM

My father's best friend lives there in University Place - Butch Malstrom, he is a certified gear head and very knowlegdable. I'm sure he'd love to help if there is something that requires a third hand. Heck, he'd just love to see your project! If you want some help call me on my cell and we'll get you connected.

404-518-0412 cell