Crane roller rocker question

[infotraker]

I sent my Crane rockers to Crane to look at a problem with the front pins moving outward. They will replace the entire set for free (mine are Energizer series). They will upgrade the set to their Goldrrace series for $130.00. The engine is a BBC 468 , 990 heads, tunnel with 2 750's, 10.5 to 1 comp.,hydr. comp cam, Sanger pickle, used mainly for fun (skiing etc) with some high speed runs up to ~ 6000 rpm. I probably will upgrade to a solid cam (lost valve head this summer maybe due to valve float). Last owner ran a Isky solid cam model Z-55 (590 lift 300 duration, said engine was getting top of ~6500 rmp).
Should I go with the rocker upgrade (or just get free ones). Any comments on the Isky Z-55 cam or maybe a better one ?
Thanks

[Racing Ray]

I think you answered your own question. Lets see I tried to save money the first time and now its broke should I save money again???
Myself I prefer trouble free and don't mind paying a bit more for a much nicer piece.

[Infomaniac]

now I'm confused :rolleyes:
Pay more is better than saving money twice? :D
I could not explain that to my wife if my life depended on it.
[ October 09, 2003, 07:58 PM: Message edited by: Infomaniac ]

[H2OT PURSUIT]

Watch my lips! Always, always, always use the best parts you can afford when it's for a boat.
Just my 2.
Scuba, Sky or Muff - No dive too tuff.

[GofastRacer]

Get the Crane Golds, the Energizers are for the street!.. :)

[mrgoslow]

energizers have been on my bbc since 99. zero failures, wot @ 5400 on a regular basis. 558/580 lift.

[flat broke]

Dont look this gift horse in the mouth. A lot of times when we cheap out on a part, the consequences are extremely expensive, and then you still have to pay full pop for the better part in the end. In this case, you are getting to learn the same lesson without any detriment to the engine and only having to spend the incremental increase for the better parts. Drop the $130 and smile.
Chris

[superdave013]

flat broke:
Dont look this gift horse in the mouth. A lot of times when we cheap out on a part, the consequences are extremely expensive, and then you still have to pay full pop for the better part in the end. In this case, you are getting to learn the same lesson without any detriment to the engine and only having to spend the incremental increase for the better parts. Drop the $130 and smile.
Chris How true is that! I broke a Herbert (Harland Sharp) rocker. It didn't hurt the engine (got lucky on that) but I did have to take it all apart to get the chunks out.

[Hotcrusader76]

My 0.02...
The Crane Gold Rockers are the hot-ticket. Something I didn't know about them was they will not fit under Chrome Edelbrock Signature Series valve covers. For a second you think they fit until you run the motor only to find cylinder 1 and 8 intake rockers hitting the inboard side of the covers. I had to switch to the larger more expensive aluminum versions.
On another note, some of you couldn't be further from the truth on cheaping out on a particular part. After the money I invested into my sled I decided to go budget on a few items on of them being the original flexplate. Bad move...should have upgraded to an SFI version, but didn't...and spent the weekend on the trailer.
Long story short....buy the best in valvetrain components and or items you don't want to replace when they do break while the engine is in the boat IE Flexplate...lol
http://www.tpcracing.com/images_temp/cranegoldA_450.jpg

[Dave C]

I ran the golds in 3 different engines with .588, .639 & .709 lift for years. Never had a problem. Good stuff. I'm a happy camper.
IMO I would throw down for the better part.

[Dave C]

I found a picture too. They are under the girdle.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1140rollers-med.jpg
[ October 10, 2003, 01:30 PM: Message edited by: Dave C ]

[Dennis Moore]

I would say that you can do much better than the Isky Z-55 camshaft. If you are going to run a solid lifter camshaft you can increase horsepower a dramatic amount by going with one of the new design mechanical roller camshafts. These camshafts are designed for automotive applications that make high horsepower but designed to be driven regularly on the street.
Comp Cams has the Xtreme Energy solid roller cams that they used on the Hot Rod Power Tour (drive across the country). Crane also has a similar camshaft line.
I would suggest the XR274R Comp Cam. It has 236/242 intake/exhaust duration at .050 and .639/.646 lift with a 110 LSA (the Z-55 has a 108 LSA). These camshafts have only 274/280 intake/exhaust duration at .006 which means they have very little valve overlap (with .016/.018 valve lash the overlap is also much smaller than a hydraulic lifter camshaft). The 110 LSA will work great with this mechanical roller lifter camshaft and not cause water ingestion at an idle.
It should make maximum horsepower at 5800-6000 rpm with your combination if you install it with a 110 degree intake lobe centerline (no cam advance).
Dennis Moore