I have a set 1968 or 69 ported heads I want to use on a budget build 455. These heads came to me without rocker arms and shafts. I have a number of 430 1967 and 430 68 and 69 rocker arms I plan to use on the ported heads I currently have. My question is, can I combine the 67, 68/69 rockers for my build without issue? Any difference between the 67 rockers from the 68/69 rockers? Please offer input
Yes, you can mix them and they are the same ratio. The difference is the ‘67s are narrow and the ‘68-‘69s are wider since they have a strengthening rib on both sides. I seem to recall that the ‘67 shafts are slightly shorter. This only matters on the rocker arm on each end. I can compare some shafts that I have here to confirm.
Be sure the rocker arms (and shaft) are worth re-using. When I tried to "get by" with used rocker arms on an Olds, I needed three sets of used rockers and pedestals to get one set of decent arms and stands that weren't worn-out junk. You need a good pushrod socket, a good rocker-shaft area, and a good valve tip contact area. If any one of the three is worn...the rocker is scrap. About the same for the shaft. If it's not "perfect", it's crap. Any wear or scoring to the shaft, and it'll destroy the rocker that rides on the worn area. If you don't have an unlimited supply of core rockers and shafts to pick from, you might want to look into the Melling rocker-and-shaft kits.
Don't forget pushrods they make a high-breed adjustable pushrod for use with the earlier rockers not sure if you need them because of the pushrod socket.
I use the 67, 68, 69 rockers on my 455's with no issues. The 67's are slightly different than the 68 - 69's so do not mix and match them with the 68 - 69's. As mentioned by Buicksky make sure to use the hybrid adjustable pushrods since the pushrod cup in these rockers is larger than the cup in the 455's. Make sure to use the saddle strap under the bolt to keep the rockers from rubbing on the rocker towers on the heads. I get my pushrods from TA.
