Rocker Arms for Stage 1 Iron Heads

Hey guys, have a set of iron heads converted to stage 1 heads, TA Valves, TA Stage 1 Springs(.500 lift) but I'm using the stock rocker shaft. I don't want to upgrade to the TA stage 1 rocker assembly, too much money for me. So what rockers are you using on your stage 1 heads? This is a stock/mild build, this will be a street car, going for stage 1 factory numbers at the least.

I found a couple options that seem stock.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mel-mr-814/overview/make/buick

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/sealed-power-engine-rocker-arm-r-870w/10842218-P?utm_medium=ymme

 

do keep in mind there is a right and left. and you will need the plastic push retainers. as long as spring aren't crazy psi at .500 lift they should be ok as long ad pushrod length is correct....much over this will start with issues though

 

Well I have some more looking into to do, but I'm planning on running stock lifters, stock push rods, stock rocker shaft, I have new rocker retainers. and yes I know about the left and right rockers, thank you.

 

What cam?

 

I need to do a flow test on the heads to see where my peak cfm is and make a cam choice. Probably going with a cam from TA with around .500 lift. Gotta talk to the guys at TA.

 

Just Remember rocker arm ratio matters

 

8 right
8 left

 

depending on cam and lifter you better measure for pushrod length.......some lifters changed the cup location deeper down requiring longer pushrod to keep proper preload.

alot of cams change base circle to allow for more lift, especially in the small bearing motors like ours. this change will drop the lifter down again requiring longer pushrod.

you 100%have to measure for pushrod length to know it's right. it should be one of the very last parts you buy since you need heads on and rocker arms to measure this.

even head gasket thickness can effect this. especially in motors like ours or Chrysler where there is no way to adjust a little.......pushrod length must be measured to keep proper lifter preload, no way around it

 

I will do that, thanks.

 

Stock pushrods and upgraded springs generally don't work well together for too long

 

What do you recommend?

 

Smith Bros. pushrods. They are in Oregon and will make you any length, high-quality pushrod you want--for a decent price.

Ranger
Aiken, SC

 

5/16 .083 or thicker

 

x2, and since you are looking at running decent lift with steel arms keep the spring pressure just enough to get the job done........too much pressure will either break the bottom out of the rocker, or it the rod through in cup.

dont ask me how I know this or why I used to carry a couple spare assemblies as well as pushrods

 

If you can find a good set of 400/430 arms they are a better piece. but you have to make sure all the tips are in good condition, and the shafts are grooved up, and they will require a pushrod with a larger ball on the rocker end.

I'm pretty sure new shafts and tips are now available

 

I might just run everything stock in the heads except the stage 1 valves. Stock springs will still work with a mild cam right?

 

Use the springs recommended by TA for the cam, the stock rockers will be fine with those.
IIRC, the stage 1 springs are a single spring with a dampner (flat wire inside) so they're not "dual" springs, they're a tad stiffer than stock springs and Im sure the stock rockers will be fine

 

The "Stage 1 plus" springs are fine with stock rockers and will support 525 lift, they also have a newer single drop in spring that will support 575lift

 

if you look at tas spec the stage 1 and plus almost have the same pressure at .500, the us just has longer distance to coil bind.