Harlan Sharp Rocker Shaft Orientation?

[EngineerDoug]

I just finished installing my Harlan Sharp rocker assemblies onto Trick Flow 240 heads and something popped into my mind.

As we know, the stock rocker shaft setup on a big block mandates a specific rocker shaft orientation due to the location of the oiling holes in the shaft. There is a right hand shaft, and a left hand shaft position.

So the question is, can the aftermarket shafts go in either way? I did not notice any indication of "right hand" or "left hand" when I unpacked the assemblies from Harlan Sharp. Did I miss something, or can these be installed on either side of the engine?

 

[69L48Z27]

I did not see anything for L/R orientation when I put mine together. If I recall, it looked like you could put them on either side.

 

[snakeoil24]

Oil holes facing down!

 

[91r/t]

Harland Sharp rocker shafts are drilled on both sides so there is no way to install them upside down like the stockers and others.

 

[gkent]

There is no "left" or "right", only "oil holes down".

 

[snakeoil24]

Harland Sharp rocker shafts are drilled on both sides so there is no way to install them upside down like the stockers and others.

that makes them work much better question is are both sides using same size holes? if their is2 different diameter holes larger should face down like on high end hemi exhaust shafts

 

[91r/t]

that makes them work much better question is are both sides using same size holes? if their is2 different diameter holes larger should face down like on high end hemi exhaust shafts

Nope same size holes. Doesn't matter which way installed. That's why they do that I believe so we don't have an oops moment lol

 

[gkent]

With any aftermarket rocker I doubt it makes any difference how the shafts are installed. Here's why ... A stock stamped rocker is open at the top. If the holes are oriented anywhere but down, the oil will squirt everywhere. It has nothing to do with clearances since there is a significant "belly" in the bottom of the stamped rockers. However, any aftermarket rocker totally surrounds the shaft so oil will be controlled inside the rocker regardless of where the holes are. Some may argue the bottom of the rocker won't get oil if the holes don't point down but given the amount of oil pressure and the clearances and the rocker rotation, this shouldn't be an issue. On a HS rocker the oil holes orientation wouldn't be an issue at all, the oil will get to the roller bearings no matter what. On the old Isky iron rockers (and maybe the Cranes also) the shaft bore had a groove around the middle that would have ensured complete oiling regardless of the hole position.

 

[PRHeads]

As mentioned, the HS shafts have the oil holes drilled on center with the bolt holes, and there are upper and lower holes.
There is no front/back, up/down.

 

[EngineerDoug]

Got it; thanks. I suspected that was the case, but just wanted to be sure.