I have a 360-based motor with RHS X heads and Harland Sharp 1.6 rockers on it. I have noticed that the rocker starts outside of the center of the valve and continues outward as the valve opens, almost to the point of going over the edge of the stem (rocker is too long). I am assuming that since I am running cast-in stands there is no way to raise the rocker enough to compensate for this, so what rockers fit the RHS heads best? This is a street/strip engine that will see a lot of cycles so I need to be able to make it live.

Not sure why they do this but Small block Harlan Sharp rockers are made for longer valves. Custom push rods or lash caps help this situation.



Small Block Mopar V8

Fits
1964-91 "LA" 273-360
Sets

Part # Ratio Price
S70025K 1.5:1 $774.00
S70026K 1.6:1 $853.00

Intake & Exhaust Rockers
70025-1 1.5:1 $ 37.90
70026-1 1.6:1 $ 37.90
Special Notes:
* Needle bearing allow for more oil flow to the rockers.
* Oil restrictors may be necessary to maintain oil pressure.
* Rockers are designed for big lift cams requiring .100 to .150 taller valves.
* Rocker shafts are drilled to allow for 3/8 mounting hardware.
* Rocker spring clearance is limited to 1.500 if more spring clearance is required,
contact our customer service department to discuss your options.



http://www.harlandsharp.com/sb_mopar.htm

I went with lash caps to get everything centered properly.. it was a cheap and easy fix..

I have the S70025K HS as well and use chevy length plus .100 valves.

Lash caps do work great but keep in mind when setting the whole rocker system HS seems to be pretty clear on how the adjusted is positioned and stress iirc the 2-3 exposed threads on the adjuster for oiling.

I think they have that PN kit due to the fact here again iirc even the std edelbrock head is a .100 over a std. length 2.02 3/8 stem valve.

IMO A LA engine is not designed for 1.6 rockers. Why use 1.6 rockers on a street strip engine? Why use 1.6 rockers on any LA engine? Put the cam in that provides the lift you want and leave the problems associated with 1.6 rockers to someone else.

Use 1.5 rockers and have a more stabil, reliable valve train. Otherwise you must use bandaids to cover up the problem and have wore out valve guides much faster.

You need to lower the rocker arm shaft (not an easy trick) or use longer valves. Or buy different rocker arms.

We used 1.6 rockers from Hughes.
Excellent geometry and no issues for 3 years. These are also installed on RHS heads.
But glad you have it sorted out with the lash caps.

I have used RHS heads on 2 builds and had these results. Tried crane golds , comp magnums , Harland sharp aluminum and all of them had a lousy pattern . Ended up using the Hughes and they fit perfect. Very happy with the performance of these heads.

Thanks everyone! Not quite sure how the rocker ratio will wear out the guides faster since most companies change the ratio by moving the hole for the adjuster, but of course there could be something I'm missing...as usual. I do know that the roller pushing on the edge of the stem will cause the wear, though. Since this motor has a flat tappet cam, I felt it might be happier with a milder lobe and bigger base circle that I can get away with because of the rocker ratio. Looks like I'll probably be looking at the Hughes rockers.

I wouldn't trade HS rockers for Hughes I would fix the problem and keep the much better rocker that you have now.