I'm re-building a second nailhead as a back-up motor. It's a '66 401 that my dad's friend had in his Wildcat. The motor is really clean and comes with all the necessary equipment, except for the rockers (which he took off years ago and misplaced). Anyways, I have a like-new reconditioned set off a '57 or '58 364 (cast rockers, not aluminum). I know these were advertised as 1.5 versus the 401's 1.6 ("advertised" being the key word). My question is will the 401 pushrods work with the 1.5's? I realize I'd be losing a little lift in the process. As for cams, I'll either go stock or possibly a 288, 0.490" lift Schneider. Thanks, -Lee
I think that if you look at the parts , you will find that the 66 -401 push rod has a ball on each end of the push rod and the older ones [ 364 ect.]had a cup on the top and a ball on the bottom. The older rocker arms were of iron and had a stud that went thru the back end with a lock nut on it. the stud had a ball that went into the cup on the top of the push rod. Like a Ford FE engine. That is if I am remembering right.
The type with the adjusting screw & locknut are the old "Export" kit rocker arms. The 364 arms will bolt right up with NO mods. You will lose lift & probably close to 20-30HP. Also that .490" lift cam will only give you about .425" or so with the 1.6 rockers, much less with the 364/1.5 rockers.
