FE 390 Stock Rockers

[kgs365]

question...i was planning on using stock rockers and shafts on a 390 with edelbrock rpm cam and edelbrock 60069 heads...can i get opinions?...im not building a killer motor but i do want reliability ...i was not considering roller rockers due to cost ...some say this set up will be fine others say i'll be bending push rods?

thanks

[wideglidejoe]

when you say stock 390 rockers, are you talking about the non-adjustable (hydraulic cam) rockers or Ford FE adjustable rockers (like used on FE solid lifter cams from the factory)?

[blykins]

Roller rockers are affordable.

I sell a nice set from PRW that comes with roller rockers, hardened shafts, ARP studs, etc. $470 including shipping.

[undy]

....and ..... there's much better hydraulic cams out there than the RPM.

[kgs365]

stock rockers non adjustable arms hydraulic cam...yes understand there may be better out there...im building a budget build and dont need high horsepower...looking for reliability ...want to build it once not constantly

[blykins]

With a performance modern cam, I would worry about deflection on the ends of the shaft with a stock rocker arm setup. The ends are not supported.

All of the good aftermarket setups have an end stand that supports the rocker arm on the end.

[kgs365]

Brent

im looking at your PRW set up...its just i keep getting these $400 bills for what was supposed to be a budget build!

[blykins]

I understand what you mean. However, what usually happens to me is that I scrimp in some places, and the cheap parts screw up, and then it costs me even more to replace it, know what I mean?

These PRW are good pieces and I've probably got 20 sets out in cars right now. They work well and if you decide to bump up the horsepower later on, they would still be usable.

I think these are great setups for hydraulic rollers, flat tappet cams, and your mildest solid roller setups. When you start getting into 600-up spring pressures, I would probably opt for a set of Ersons.

[undy]

With the valve springs Ebok runs on their FE heads out of the box you're a bit past the reliability limits of your non-end stand supported rocker shafts. You could always buy an end stand kit and get a set of decent OEM adjustable rockers. Your money would be better spent buying a set of the PRWs from Brent though.

[kgs365]

okay so if i spend the $$...the Prw kit or the comp cams 1046-kit?

[blykins]

The Comp rocker set is a nice set. Lots of guys use them and there's nothing wrong with them.

For what you get for the money, however, the PRW kit comes with more stuff.

With the PRW kit, you get the shafts, rocker arms (bushed with roller tips), you get good shaft studs, you get the billet stands, and you get an adjustable pushrod for checking pushrod length. It's a very complete kit and even comes with shims in case you need to dial in the spacing. All of that for about $50 less.

[PANAVIA]

Budget Build in FE territory will get you in trouble.

[rustyBob]

kgs365.......Edelbrock built that same engine to use as a test mule i would call them and se if you can get info from them on what they used for rockers.
i used same cam with edelbrock springs on iron FE heads with stock rockers and have had no problems(6 years)and often turn it to 5500rpm with cast pistons........

[Argess]

I see no reason why original equip rockers wouldn't be OK if you are running stock valve springs and a hyd cam.

I use FPP end stands. All they do is help stiffen up the rocker shaft as the stands only use the original stand bolt, so there is still a bending moment on the end stand assembly. I seem to remember seeing end supports that also use a head bolt, but perhaps I am wrong.

Anyway, an alternative to end stands are Harland Sharpe hardened rocker shafts, and as the Ford shafts may have a lot of wear, you may want to look into the HS shafts. Of course, HS shafts AND end stands would be best.

Somewhat unrelated sidenote: If there's one place to spend an extra few dollars to improve reliability, its get an aftermarket oil-pump drive shaft.