[goatcheese]

Hey Guys,
Working on a 350 firebird engine with #17 stock heads with mild porting. The 3/8 stepped press in studs look to have 7/16 shafts (studs) under the threads. I'm thinking of trying a set of 7/16" full roller rockers with 3/8" poly locks. As long as the rocker seats far enough down on the stud and the 3/8 poly has enough surface for holding them, I don't see why it won't work. Have any of you tried or heard of anyone trying this?
Thanks

[BVR421]

Go for it if you have a set already. Otherwise I sure wouldnt spend new$ on roller rockers for bottleneck pressed in studs.
Definatly new locknuts for the old rockers to make them adjustable. Of course if you really want fancy rockers they can be used on later projects as well if they stay in good shape.
all rockers are going to be 7/16 internal diameter to clear the lower stud diameter as you have noticed.
it has to be 7/16 opening regardless of the adjusting nut thread diameter
the 3/8 and 7/16 refers to the adjusting nut threads
not the stud diameter as all studs are 7/16 on the bottom and either 3/8 or 7/16 on top
does that make sense? I just confused myself

[goatcheese]

Makes perfect sense. I think I can get a good deal on some used ones. The engine seems to have a very mild cam, hooker headers, eldelbrock performer intake and edelbrock carb. Figured the rollers would free up a little horsepower for a decent price (under $200)? I'm building this 67 gto for a surprise gift for my dad. I've mainly worked on chevy's in the past. Learning a lot on these pontiac's. Have the pressed in studs given many people issues with stock/mild cams?

[tom s]

you wont feel any diff!Juice aint worth the squeeze IMO,Tom

[BVR421]

Dont worry about stock parts for casual fun cars, pressed studs will sometimes pull up if a squirrelly high schooler is driving. Whenever that would happen I would just take a big Ford wrench and drive them back down. I got good at that repair. LOL I eventually bought an Isky stud pin kit when I put in a way too big cam and stiff valve springs. (car got slower the more I molested it LOL)

big brakes and IRS and pearl paint? that sounds like a sweet ride for your Dad!

[goatcheese]

Thanks! I'm hoping to get it to him before winter but, it's looking tight.. I'll have some videos posted of the build, cruise, and surprise.

Tom S, you're saying the roller rockers aren't worth it on a lower rpm engine (5500)? I'm wondering that..

[Tom Vaught]

Originally Posted by tom s

you wont feel any diff!Juice aint worth the squeeze IMO,Tom

X2 Way too much effort and expense when the money and time could be used to move to a better head with factory screw in studs.

Tom Vaught

[goatcheese]

Thanks for the help guys!