Over the winter I'm putting together a mild 350 to replace the "low performance" 3.8 V6 in my '87 Regal. I'm starting with a '69 350. I have the rocker set up that came on it that oils the rockers through the rocker shaft and I also have a '70 set up that oils the rockers through the push rods. Is there an advantage to using one over the other? I know if I use the later ones I have to plug the oil passage in the block and use the later lifters and push rods. It is not going to be a radical motor. I just plan on stock compression (for a 2bbl '69 350), Poston GS114 cam and a set of headers, T/A intake and Holley carb. that I already have. It may also see a 100hp shot of nitrous at some point also. Thanks in advance for the advice. Ken
No real advantage for one over the other on a street engine. The 70-71 motors that used the aluminum rockers had a slightly more favorable 1.6:1 ratio over the steel ones [1.55:1] on earlier and later engines. In years past, it was a racers tick to use the aluminum ones for the lighter weight and better ratio, but after 4 decades of use [and abuse in some cases], you'd be hard pressed to find a used set of aluminum ones that are in good enough shape to offer any real world advantages on a street driven engine. If you had a choice from the start, I'd say go with the later style "push rod oiling" setup simply because it's a little more advanced technology, and a little better parts availability, but since you already have the complete and working 69 setup, go with it.
Thanks Darryl for the info and advice. I guess I'll probably just go with what's already on the motor just thought I'd ask first. Thanks, Ken
