Roller rocker questions

[bcw]

I am starting to get serious about changing out my hydraulic flat tappet cam on my 428CJ FE to a more agressive hyraulic roller cam. At the same time I would like to switch to a roller rocker setup if needed. I am hoping that I can change the cam and switch to roller rockers without pulling the motor, heads or headers. I want something that is not going to be a maintenance head ache down the road.

I hear alot about Ersons but they are unavailable. What about PRW ( I like the price)? What about Harlan Sharp or the more expensive T&D? Is it even worth it to swap out or is it required with a more agressive cam profile and extra stress on the valve train? Where is my money best spent for a hot street setup?

[2FAST4U]

A more aggressive cam requires rockers with a greater range of motion. I would go with the Harlan Sharp

[convincor]

T&D are now making what were the Ersons, and don't think there terribly expensive at about $850-900 last I looked into them.
And there a true full roller were the $979 hardland sharps are bronzed bushed
Fe Ford
T&D Machine Products - Competition Rocker Arms

[Dan Slates]

Stock FE rocker shafts are notorious for breaking near the ends when a higher lift cam is installed. There is little or no support near the end of the shaft. The stock rocker arms should be replaced also if you are going to get a more aggressive cam. You should also look into upgrading the rocker shafts and stands. Do not skimp here.
These guys have been in the FE business for years.

Dove Manufacturing

[AUME2010]

Running the PRWs, got just a couple hundred miles on them though. They "seem" like a good quality piece. About all the observations i can give at the moment. Ive pulled a time or two to 5000 and nothing has broken.... Ill let you know when i get a compatible dizzy gear and get back on the road...

[bcw]

Originally Posted by convincor

T&D are now making what were the Ersons, and don't think there terribly expensive at about $850-900 last I looked into them.
And there a true full roller were the $979 hardland sharps are bronzed bushed
Fe Ford
T&D Machine Products - Competition Rocker Arms

I do like the idea of a true roller setup. I missed that on the description. Thanks for pointing that out. I can find a set of Harlad Sharps for $790 and a set of T&D's run about $895. The full roller might be worth the price difference.

Do the edelbrock heads need any machining to adapt roller rockers? Would the end stands that come with T&D's or the Harland Sharp's be sufficient or would those need to be upgraded?

[convincor]

T&D would be just like these Ersons.
Ends are fully supported, and are bolt on to Edelbrocks

[bcw]

Great info guys. Are there any forseeable issues with swapping out a cam with the motor in the car at go-cart stage? I think I may need to upgrade my valve springs and I am hoping that using compressed air in the combustion chamber via the spark plug hole will allow me to change those springs without pulling the heads. Thoughts?

[convincor]

The x-brace and the radiator would be the only concerns

[bcw]

Has anyone out there successfully changed the cam in a FE without pulling the motor? Like Convincor stated, I'm worried about the x-brace.

[BostonBuster]

Harland sharp rollers and shafts

[Gordon Levy]

Here's the Comp shaft rockers
COMP Cams: Ford Shaft Mounted Rockers; (352,360, 390, 428 & 428 Cobra Jet Low Rise Cylinder Head)

[2FAST4U]

Check out the FE rocker assembly page

Garrett Machine Home Page

[snapperlr]

Originally Posted by bcw

Has anyone out there successfully changed the cam in a FE without pulling the motor? Like Convincor stated, I'm worried about the x-brace.

I have. I had to remove the radiator and fan.

[bcw]

Thanks for all of the input guys. You guys gave me the confidence I needed to pull the trigger. I just ordered a new custom grind hydraulic roller cam and T&D roller rockers from Barry at Survival. I can't wait to get it installed.

[convincor]

Good choice... IMO...I can't see spending that much money for the comp, Harland or others and STILL have a bushing (or not even) on the shaft... there just roller tips..