273 mech rocker problem
With all the talk about tool steel lifters, coatings, etc., I'm sure that's not the best set-up, but it worked for me. My Aspen has (now legal) solid Schubeck/Smith lifters. Considered but never got around to shimming the hydraulics to run solid. Some people hate them because they can shatter and destroy the entire engine. But I never had a problem.
As for retainer-to-rocker clearance, I originally had 273 and ductile iron Crane Rockers which I reluctantly had to relieve before switching to beehives. The few broken, relieved aftermarket and Crane rockers that I saw over the years concerned me and I did break at least one Crane myself. I switched to Harland Sharps when roller rockers were allowed and stayed with the beehives. But I don't think mild relieving for clearance would be an issue on a milder street engine...as long as the springs & retainers aren't much bigger than OEM.
I used Comp Cams 26056 beehives set up to have near 200 lbs closed & 400 lbs open. But this is on IHRA Crate Stocker engines with .474" lift, lots of duration, steep ramps and Schubeck/Smith flat tappet hydraulic lifters with a "composite puck". I did run about 160/360 lbs until I "accidently" found out I was getting valve float. I couldn't tell going down the track and was VERY lucky. It could have been a lot worse. After bumping up the pressures, car ran a little better and valve adjustments remained more accurate between checks.
With all the talk about tool steel lifters, coatings, etc., I'm sure that's not the best set-up, but it worked for me. My Aspen has (now legal) solid Schubeck/Smith lifters. Considered but never got around to shimming the hydraulics to run solid. Some people hate them because they can shatter and destroy the entire engine. But I never had a problem.
As for retainer-to-rocker clearance, I originally had 273 and ductile iron Crane Rockers which I reluctantly had to relieve before switching to beehives. The few broken, relieved aftermarket and Crane rockers that I saw over the years concerned me and I did break at least one Crane myself. I switched to Harland Sharps when roller rockers were allowed and stayed with the beehives. But I don't think mild relieving for clearance would be an issue on a milder street engine...as long as the springs & retainers aren't much bigger than OEM.
