[Frank Messina]

Originally Posted by zrayr

a big block Ford engine will turn over considerably easier by hand than a small block. The difference is the increased friction of the small blocks rocker arm system over that of a big block. Even a non race engine will benefit from the "free" horsepower from the friction reduction of a properly designed shaft rocker arm system.

Z.

I have to disagree. That only holds true if you're speaking about the factory stamped rocker arms. When you move into the high quality stud mounted roller rocker realm all bets are off. The only possible advantage might be high RPM stability under high spring loads but not even that is a slam dunk since a good stud girdle can take care of most any flexing issues. I used to run my drag race motors to over over 8000 RPMs with Crane rockers and a Ridgeway stud girdle with no complaints from the valve train. What will make an engine hard to turn over though is heavy valve spring pressures which is likely what you'll encounter in a high revving race motor vs a more sedate hydraulic cammed boulevard cruiser.
Frank