When installing the roller rockers and pushrods on the small block Ford 302 you want to pay attention to a few important details. Always work in a clean workspace and stay organized. This is a process that is a bit time consuming so make sure you have an hour or so set aside to do the job the right way.
Begin by checking pushrod length. Always make sure your roller rocker ball is perfectly centered on the valve tip. Once you have your desired pushrod length, order heat treated Chromoly pushrods if you have an aftermarket camshaft and valve springs. Begin the installation by placing a ratchet and socket on the crank bolt. You will be turning over the engine several times by hand to complete this process.
Organize your new rocker U-Channels, pushrods, and roller rockers on your workbench.
Get one roller rocker, pedestal, and bolt ready. Install a pushrod into the appropriate area. Make sure the lifter is on the base circle of the cam. You can determine base circle by rotating the engine until the lifter next to the one you are working on begins to rise.
Now install the roller rocker onto the head and begin to hand-tighten the bolt. Tighten with one hand while twisting the pushrod with the other hand. Stop hand tightening at the point where you feel resistance on the pushrod. This is zero-lash. Now get your torque wrench, set the torque specification to 20 ft. lbs. and install the hex head at the 12 o’clock position on the rocker bolt. You should hit your desired 20 ft. lbs at between 1/4 and 1/2 a turn. If this result is not achieved you will need to add a shim or two or get longer or shorter pushrods. Ask questions if you get stuck here.
Repeat this step 15 more times and you’re done.
PART NUMBERS:
ROLLER ROCKERS (Scorpion Racing 1.6 Ratio PEDESTAL MOUNT): SCP1021BL ~ $265.97 SUMMIT RACING Purchase Here
PUSHRODS (Comp Cams Heat Treated Chromoly 5/16): 7917-16 ~ $134.97 SUMMIT RACING Purchase Here
ROCKER ARM CHANNELS (Ford Racing): M-6588-A50 ~ $22.97 SUMMIT RACING Purchase Here
