I had my valve covers off recently, and noticed that my 401 had adjustable rocker arms. This engine is original to the car, and I was wondering if the adjustable rockers were stock on the skylark/gran sport in '66 (401) or have these been added by a previous owner??
Frank, There were Buick export adjustable rockers available in the 50s that would fit your engine. I am not aware of any others that would have been available in 66. The adjustable rockers were used with a solid cam and hi-rev pushrods. The problem is the adjustable rockers had a 1.5 ratio while the stock 66 non-adjustable rockers had a 1.6 ratio. You may be hurting your performance with the adjustable rockers unless you have the complete cam package. Cheryl
Cheryl, You are correct that the stated ratio for the rockers in 66 was 1.6. Bob Quigg told me that, by actual measurement, very few of them exceeded 1.4. That's why he is so high on the roller rocker project he is trying to get into action. Tom
I am getting ready to build the nailhead in my '65 GS as part of the restoration and I would be interested in rollers if they are available. What is the story behind the ones you say Bob Quigg is trying to get made?
Tom Telesco already has a roller rocker program up and running, but I don't know when they're slated for production. Tom? Mark
Export-Smexport Tom, Here is a little excerpt from Tom Telescos explaination of the stock and export rocker issue: Clearly so-called stock 1.6 ratio rockers are loosing lift, but it seems the export rockers are even worse. I for one cant wait until Toms are in production. Cheryl
Actually I was re-reading his article on buicknailhead.com last night. This is what the final paragraph reads... We need to support Tom on this one as he has put a tremendous amount off research and developement into this project and he is a true Nailheader. If you're in the market for more power from your Nailhead these are the rockers to buy. Bolt on with a stock cam and you'll get more power instantly. I'm saving like mad for a set.
Hi everyone. The time is now getting very close. The Rockers have been completely re-designed (again) & will be a full Roller, not just a tip. At this point I am in talks with the manufacturer about these being a complete assembly. Roller Rockers, Shafts, Stands, Spacers, etc. all brand new. They will be complete & ready to bolt-on, except for adjusting. I am hoping to have a set with me when I go to Flint later this month. Then the next step is dyno testing, which will be posted. It has been over 2 years since I posted this originally & going on a year since I originally asked for deposits. Those who have sent in deposits & have had faith in my trust will get these for slightly over cost. As of date I have gotten only 22 deposits. Where are the rest??? One thing I noticed on the site was the phone number had gotten transposed somehow. It is (203)324-6045. NOT 423-6045!!! I will have to try & straighten that out. Now that the time is closer to a reality get those deposits in. Or was this venture to try & re-invent the wheel for all of us to benefit & to try & get more from our NailHeads a waste of everyone who was involved time & my money?? Interest & good intentions walk & money talks. I more than anyone want this to be a reality. After over 3 years & being beat by one manufacturer we can all benefit with more performance from our NailHeads, even in completely stock applications. Remember, it's all about having fun. The best part is meeting all the people & putting faces to the names. Buick people are the BEST!!! Tom Telesco
I thought what I had were adjustable rockers, but they could be rockers with replaceable tips. I didnt study them closely. I just saw a hex nut on the end and assumed they were adjustable, as I was not aware of any that had replaceable tips.
