i just purchased a 400 from a friend of mine and when i pulled the valve covers i noticed the rocker shafts were different than any other i have ever seen. they look a little taller and instead of just shfts and bolts they have a pedestal type stand that wrap around the shaft. i have a picture on my computer but i dont know how to post it. does anyone know what it is by my description? of all the big blocks i have had i have never seen this before.

Sounds like someone added some hold down blocks in place of the stamped factory pieces. Not an uncommon aftermarket srtength upgrade. They may have even milled off the factory cast in pedestals and put something more exotic in there,hard to say without seeing.

industrial engine! dan

pre 64 big block heads had no pedestal.

That used to be a common hot rod trick. Or, it could be a set of really old heads that came that way.