Is that as in AWESOME-O, Brian? I don't think you'll have clearance issues as the centerbolt valve covers aren't any taller than the shorter old design. Are you using older perimeter-style (valve cover bolt hole) heads? It sounds like you're talking about vortec(centerbolt-style) heads, in which case you have to run adapters to run the older style valve covers, which may actually give you the clearance you'll need. Hope this helps.

Jay
"you will respect my authoritah!!"

 

lol, yeah you hit the Awesome-O right on the head.

Actually I was not planning to use centerbolt heads, mainly because I want to run script valve covers. I was thinking about using double hump heads or something along those lines. I guess if I did run into a clearance problem I could use the adapter as a spacer, even though I wouldn't be "adapting" anything. Thanks for the idea!

 

Roller lifters won't create any valve cover problems. Roller rocker arms might but you don't have to use them. The stock rocker arms will work fine.
Rick

 

Rick,

I thought that was the case, but I wanted to be sure. Thanks again!

 

Had to go to the tall covers to clear my Comp Cams roller rockers.

 

Do the stock rockers have rollers? It seems like a waste to have a roller cam without roller rockers.

 

I'm curious why you would say that. Roller cams reduce friction and can enable better valve control and more lift. That's a benefit in itself. Roller rockers further reduce friction and improve rocker arm geometry. Why is it a "waste" to have one and not the other?

 

Hey Brian, don't rule out the possibility of running centerbolt style heads if you already have them. Both Jeg's and Summit carry an adapter for running later style heads with the older and more common small block valve covers. Although I'm a big block fan, I've heard a lot of people claim the benefits of Vortec heads. Unless you're looking for authenticity or you just like the look of the double hump emblem on the ends of the heads, Vortec heads with the adapter plate may be a viable alternative. :tu

 

I wouldn't waste my time with Vortec heads when after market aluminum heads are so cheap for a small block Chevy.

 

At the moment I don't have any heads. I ran a set of Vortecs on a Camaro I once had, performed great but I had hood clearance issues.

I know it seems like a waste NOT to run roller rockers, but I have to sacrifice a bit to get the look I want. Which will also stop me from running centerbolt heads. I really want a clean, as close to 50's appearing engine compartment as I can get - with a little bit more of a kick in the butt when you slam the throttle.

I know there will be telltale signs that it isn't a 265 - side motor mounts for instance - so I know I won't be able to fool the true tri five fan.

 

I've seen guy's modify alum. heads to look like cast with JB Weld. They do it to make their cars look stock when street racing for cash.:tu

 

You can also run these too if you want rollers that will fit under the stock valve covers. $80 at Summit

 

Brian, how stock do you want it to look?

I have World S/R Torquer 305 heads on mine, Harland Sharp full roller rockers and poly locks, and they fit nicely under the early aluminum-finned 'Vette script valve covers. These heads do have the accesory mounting holes in the ends, but if one were crafty enough, these could be filled in.

 

I'm a big believer in Harland Sharps, I've ran them on a few engines and never had one fail. :tu

 

Same here. Still have a set of Harland sharps that have been on a few motors and the only problem with them are valve spring retainer clearance. It's pretty tight in that area. Going to try Comp cams pro magnum rockers on my wagon motor this time around. I'll have a little more flexibility in valve spring diameter choices, and I've heard they're good and strong.

Jay

 

I had a set of Cranes that fell apart on thier first night out. One of the pins that hold the roller walked out and I could see that others where starting to do the same. I was running the bottle, but this still shouldn't have happened. This was a long time ago and all I can tell you is they where the blue ones. I threw them away and ordered another set of Har. Sharps. The engine that came with my 55 is running Cranes, so I will give them one more shot.