I'm in the process of rebuilding the 327 in my '58. In the teardown process I found that one hydraulic lifter had ceased rotating and was starting to wipe out the lobe (I suspect a castign flaw in the cam lobe to be the original culprit). All the rockers had worn through their hardening, a number of valves have casting flaws exposed on the end of the stem, as well as stem wear. I'm unable to check the springs, at the moment, but I suspect they're in midling shape.

So, it looks like I need an entirely new valvetrain. (Interestingly enough, the rotating assembly seems to be in great shape since it was last rebuild to .040-over)

But the question then becomes: what to get in replacement? The engine, obviously, isn't original, so I don't care about originality. Since the block is a small-journal casting, it's not going to be the motor I take to 383+ ci and 350+HP; so I want to create a good strong reliable motor to pair with the cast-iron Powerglide. I'm a real big of fan of off-the-line acceleration. I have some idea of my own of what to get, and how to pair it all with the rest of the engine, but I thought I'd ask for the peanut gallery's ideas.

Should I switch to hydraulic rollers or stay with tappets? High-ratio roller rockers or OEM-spec stamped steel? LT-1 cam, 929 cam, Comp Cams, Crane, Lunati? What are your thoughts?

 

The OEM or equivalent quality replacement parts are bulletproof and cheap. I suspect that some of your problems are due to mismatched components. I've never heard of an OE built engine having much if any distress in the valvetrain on teardown if it was reasonably well maintained - ie. reasonable oil and filter change intervals.

With a PG you need stump pulling off idle torque. The 929 cam is the way to go. Stay away from SHP or equivalent cams. They don't have enough low end torque for a PG. If you pocketport and port match the heads it should pull strong with the 929 to 5000/5500.

Duke