[SBC-S-15]

Hey Everyone

I got a quick question i have a SBC 350 that im putting vortecs heads on, i read the they require self aligning rocker arms?
if anyone could elaborate on this would be much appreciated.


Thanks

 

[gpeak]

That is what i have heard too. I don't know first hand, but you will need a vortech intake and valve covers also.

 

[Chevy21]

Unless you are running guide plates, you have to use self-aligning rockers, which are pretty expensive. I just re-used the stock rockers that my vortec heads came with, which are self-aligning.

 

[SBC-S-15]

The intake im running will be a RMP airgap and the vale covers are the center bolt design i believe on vortecs, I will reuse the stock rockers if i find a set at a wrecker but if for some reason i do not would I be able to get away with using a guide plate instead of self aligning rockers?


Thanks

 

[Chopper64]

This link will give you a little info on vortecs.

http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/Cylinder_Heads/Vortec.html

Also, I believe that you can buy GM self-aligning rocker arms new for about 50$ a set.

 

[NAIRB]

I want to let you know that unless your heads have had the valve guide boss machined down, they will not accept any more than about .440" valve lift. Be certain to check out your camshaft specs before you put it together.


Brian

 

[SBC-S-15]

I'm using Comp Cams XE268-H I have matched springs, locks, and retainers, so i believe i will have to get machine work done.

 

[Chevy21]

Hey SBC-S-15,

My setup is pretty much the same as yours, Vortec Heads, RPM Air-Gap, Comp Cams XE 268, and flattop pistons. It is going in a 86 Chevy 1/2 ton Pickup. Will your engine be done soon? What is it going in? What are the rest of your stats on your motor?

 

[SBC-S-15]

Its a SBC 350 bored 60 over, 10:1 flattops, Comp Cams XE268-h with matched springs, locks, retainers, double roller timing set, RMP Air Gap with a 650 cfm Performer Series Carb, Vortec heads fully ported and polished the tranny is a Th350 with a 2nd stage shift kit, hoping to pick up a posi soon about a 3.73. it is going into a 82 S-15.

 

[Chevy21]

SBC-S-15

That thing should be a real *** hauler. Your motor is identical to mine. Only thing is, my motor is going into a 4800 lb pickup. Should be able to throw it around pretty good i think. How much hp and torque do you think that it will have?

 

[SBC-S-15]

I'm not exaclty quite sure, as of yet. If anyone out there with a desktop dyno or any other programs wants to calculate in that would be great.

 

[hot82chevy]

Yes you can use guideplates and standard rockers. You also must enlarge the pushrod hole with a 1/2 inch drill bit for high lift applications in addition to upgrading springs and machining the valve boss.

 

[Sagacious]

hp estimate...

my engine is identical also, with the exception of the vortec heads and mine is bored 40 over. i use 2.02/1.6 heads with screw in studs, guideplated, and 1.5 roller rockers. i run 2.5'' pipes with a H pipe. desktop dyno calculated it at 385hp. some people claim 400hp with the roller rocker setup, but i dont know since its not a full roller setup..mine is around 9.5 comp with 4-valve relief hypereutectic pistons.

speaking of my heads, the springs recently started falling apart which caused a blown rod. luckily i found all the pieces in the motor not chewed up. the machinest claimed they were ".525" lift springs. i dont know.. i never overrevved the engine and its supposed to be good to 5800+rpm according to the shop. but i only hit maybe 5500 so far. whats a good spring match for these cams? maybe he just installed some cheapo high lift springs that finally gave out. they were double coil, the inner most springs fell apart.

 

[SBC-S-15]

My Springs i'm using are Comp Cams 981-16, 1.250 Outer with Dampner, this is the springs recommended by comp to use with the XE268H