Cool, did you do a rough mock up to see if there is amy interference between the rocker arm and the valve cover? It's most likely the first and the last rocker arm on the shaft that can cause a interference problem.

I'll do that... and let you know


Edited to add: I checked out the interference issues, and with the Moon cast aluminum covers, interference is no problem. I can see the interference problem taking place with stock valve covers however...

A quick reminder that the MEL rocker shafts are a touch longer than FE rocker shafts. You are better served by getting new rocker arm shafts made for the MEL. Guy in Fresno does them with thicker wall steel. Same guy who does the oil pump quill shafts. TJR

Yes, and the spacers are different, so I had to make a couple on the lathe, and shorten a couple.
I didn't need shafts, since I had three sets to choose from, all with less than 750 total hours on each set. Marine engines don't get a lot of hours typically.

What size did you make the spacers? I am in process of converting from stock arms to FE.

Thanks

Chris Craft crazy wrote:Yes, and the spacers are different, so I had to make a couple on the lathe, and shorten a couple.
I didn't need shafts, since I had three sets to choose from, all with less than 750 total hours on each set. Marine engines don't get a lot of hours typically.

You should take measurements of your particular valve train. Every engine differs by a few thousands.

So here is another question for the valve train geometry gurus. It appears that looking at this build of mine that the rocker shaft stands could benefit being .100 higher than stock, with the stock pushrod, and adjustable Harland Sharp roller rockers... 1.76 ratio. I know the FE fords have a long contact area anyway, but it appears we could benefit from the stand height change.... any thoughts?

The other issue is where to get the higher stands. TD machining would make them, but I don't know how much.

Did you think about using shims underneath the stands? This might be an option for you

I have thought about using shims, although I would have thought they would make shims in a kit just for this purpose. What several suppliers including Harland Sharp make is a set of billet stands, as well as end supports for the rocker shaft. I have emailed HS to see what the cost of a set of billet stands .100 higher than stock. I would think they would make it.... if not then T&D Machining will make custom stands.

There is an oil supply coming up through the stands, which makes the shims a little fussy, and I am thinking that this build is relatively calm, but if I improve the valve train strength anywhere, then I can change cams and swap springs and I would be in good shape.