At what point is an adjustable valvetrain needed with a hydraulic cam?

[Kern Dog]

I am getting ready to switch cams in the Charger. Currently I have a 493 with a MP 292/509 camshaft. Several years ago I ran a Comp cams 285 with .545 lift. I am leaning toward using another XE 285 HL since it was a great performer. The engine has always had the stock style stamped steel rocker arm setup, even with the Comp cam. It ran fine but now I wonder if I should have upgraded to an adjustable setup. The kits are not cheap, but if they are required, I'll bite the bullet. I can't recall the guidelines on cam lift limits with the stock rocker arms.
Thanks, Greg

 

[Supershafts]

It's not that it needs adjustment, its the stamped rockers flex more and lose out with greater spring pressures, so since no one makes a rocker to not flex with a hyd cam you get a rocker that is adjustable, or you modify the stamped rocker, eventually what happens is the spring psi gets so intense on the stamped rocker they just break.

So you get the better rocker and then you adjust the lifter preload needed for the hyd roller.

Lots of pirated crap rockers out there my friend, so it may seem crazy to hear this but using a good TD or HS or something similar is well worth it than to get some copy of something stolen from someone and its being pirated in china and NO BETTER than the stamped factory rocker other than it LOOKS fancy....

.

 

[IQ52]

Some hydraulic lifters such as the Comp Cams 867-16 REQUIRE an adjustable valve train. This is due to the very narrow range of preload for the Pro-Magnum lifters.

 

[62 Dart Convertible]

Hey Greg

Considering you have already lots of $$ in a high performance stroker, a good valvetrain is a wise investment. I have broken a few stock stamped rockers, so I know first hand they have limitations.

Crane's ductile adjustables have been a staple for years, though I would nowadays lean towards Hughes roller rockers (if you don't have stock rocker covers as they won't clear).

http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/products.php?browse=category&level0=QmlnIEJsb2NrICA0MTMtNDI2LTQ0MCAoUmFpc2VkIERlY2sp&level1=Um9ja2VyIEFybXMgJiBBY2Nlc3Nvcmllcw==&partid=26774

 

[Kern Dog]

Thank you for that link. They look like a good deal and Hughes is a reputable source.

 

[451Mopar]

The problem with the stock stamped rockers are the pushrod cups can push through with higher spring pressures. Also the inaccurate and lower than spec ratios. Mopar did sell heavy duty (I think thicker steel) stock type rockers that can handle higher spring pressures, then just order the correct length pushrods.
I think the Hughes rockers would be a good investment on a stroker engine, but you still need to measure and order the correct length pushrods even with adjustable rockers so the pushrod cup on the rockers oils correctly.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Unless I'm building something bone stock I'll upgrade to the iron or some equivalent rocker with high strength push rods. Supershafts gives the reason why.