which is better the adjustable rocker arms and shaft or non adjustable

[moparjohnny]

what is meant by adjustable? meaning to rods for a better fit?just wanting info to decide which way to go on 440 eng. thanks

 

[Budnicks]

depends on what type camshaft your running, how large of a valve spring diameters, retainers, locks &/or installed heights, how much gross valve lift & the base circle size... adjustable rockers can make better power, adjust the Hydraulic lifter pre-load or solid lifter valve lash... if used in conjunction with the proper material, size, length & style of push-rod you use, not one size fits all allot, like many people think... depends on which heads, which head gaskets/how thick or thin, how much block surface or head milling has been done & the intended usage &/or expectations & RPM ranges... it's always a great idea to check for proper push-rod length, no matter which style rocker you choose to use... generally adjustable style rockers are much more accurate in rocker ratios too, fulcrum points between the rocker-shaft & the valve tip &/or the rocker shaft to push-rod tips/balls/cups, much less side play too, also stamped steel stocker type rockers can range from 1.42:1 rocker ratio to 1.48:1 rocker ratios, they stamped style rockers aren't rarely actual 1.5:1 ratios, all over the spectrum all in the same set, not very precise, when the ductile iron adjustable or aluminum adjustable roller rockers are much more precise @ selected rocker 1.5:1, 1.6:1, 1.65:1, 1.7:1 ratios... more work & more cost to run the adjustable rockers with proper length push-rods & hardened shafts, but if done correctly, it's better running & more precise valve-train combo...

 

[moparjohnny]

bud, you gave me a head full of info i might not want to go thru all that engine and head stuff to use adjustable rockers i just want a little street hi po 440 eng. maybe standard rockers and shaft for my eng.

 

[khryslerkid]

The norm is, non adjustable rockers are used with hydraulic lifters and adjustable rockers are used with solid lifters...

 

[BeastlyBirdie]

I've run adjustable rockers on hydraulic cams for years, but only when the lift is over .470, and the spring pressure starts going much over stock. The stamped rockers are not only inaccurate on ratio, they wallow out on higher lift cams, as I learned at age 17, lol.

 

[Meep-Meep]

The "adjustable" part is the ball screw that engages with the push rod cup. This is how you set lash or hydraulic lifter preload. Beastly and I are in complete agreement here.