I've been having a slight oil leak on #8 cylinder for about a year now, along with a ticking coming from the engine. At first I thought the noise was just an exhaust leak, but I had all the exhaust bolts tightened, and today I actually noticed/realised that the ticking is coming from both valve covers. Basically I'm thinking it's probably bad valve seals, along with possibly loose rockers. I'm thinking of going ahead and changing to 1.6rr at the same time I fix this, and I'm just wondering if anybody has any suggestions as to what to change out at the same time, and if the Crane gold rockers are really that much better than any others. I'm trying to do this without removing the heads if possible for now, for more than one reason, and I'd also like to keep cost as low as possible without using sub-quality parts. but I'd appreciate any suggestions anyone might have.

BTW, the engine currenly has 102k on it, and a rebuild IS coming eventually, but for now school comes first.

 

Ive heard that those gold cranes really do give you 25 hp granted thats probably at the flywheel, but thats still pretty impressive, also if you go with the 1.6 ratio, you'll definately get that extra power

 

I am at the same stage you are. I did the rocker and spring swap last fall. I will be rebuilding this summer or fall depending on funds. Only instead of school, I am a single parent. So I know what you mean. I went to the non-self aligning rockers and guidplates. If you go this route, you should be able to use any rocker that takes a 3/8 stud. You may have to clearence the inside of your valve covers if you don't get narrowbodys.

 

So does anybosy have any ideas as to what I else I should change at the same time, as in pushrods, valves, anything else that may be a good idea? Also, what size springs should I use with the 1.6rr? Thanks.

 

I would step up to a one-peice chrome moly pushrod as well( if you go with a self aligning RR).

with 102k miles, and who knows how many times that car has bounced off the limiter....your factory pushrod may have a slight tweak to them.

If you go with the non-self aligning and guideplates..make sure you use hardened pushrods....

Thunderracing and combination motorsports have good prices on pushrods.

always use one peice if possible.