[Mike S]

I am building a mild 400 for the street car, Using a lot of parts I have laying around. I am putting in a summit 2801 cam in it. Is there an advantage in using 1.65 roller rockers instead of the stock stamped steel, I have both.

It is going to be a cruiser with no track time. Overdrive trans with 3.73 rear.

[Skip Fix]

That was the plan for the 400 in the 81 TA -but I did not grind down far enough in the pushrod holes only the top 1/2-1"

[Scarebird]

If it is mild I would stick with the stockers.

[mrmark1957]

Will there be enough valve spring retainer to valve guide clearance using the 2801 cam with stock 1.5 rockers ?. I'm using Comp 988 springs and o-rings for valve seals.

[Cliff R]

No "advantage" really. Lifting the valves further just increases wear on the associated parts. Running heavier roller rockers compared to stock type stamped steel doesn't help anyplace either. On "mild" builds where the end user is only concerned with cruising and reliability in long term service I avoid many aftermarket parts.

This includes stronger that stock valve springs, heavier retainers, heavy rocker arms, any type of roller timing set and high volume/high pressure oil pumps (SBC builds). The stock parts will EASILY run well over 100,000 miles w/o any issues. Light parts in the valve train and light spring loads are easy on the camshaft and lifters and less drag on the timing set as well..........