78 L82 Advice
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5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2014
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78 L82 Advice
Hi--I don't have a Vette but I do have a 78 L82 in my 79 Pontiac Phoenix. I bought the engine and rebuilt it 3 years ago. I did not re-use the #624 heads but replaced them with cast iron re-worked performance 76cc heads with all new components including the 2.02/1.60 valves plus pocket ported. I don't have any idea how the intake runners compare with the originals but I also was able to use a Performer 2101 high rise intake. I replaced the cam with a COMP XE 268: duration 224/230-- 477/480 lift... along with long tube headers.
The engine runs nice and has decent power. One thing I did when I rebuilt it was use the original rockers and pushrods... I should have spent a little more for new! One of the rockers makes a little noise now after multiple adjustments and I'm thinking of replacing the rockers & pushrods.
QUESTION Any recommendations for replacements? Stock, roller rockers, etc? The car is just a cruiser so I'm not really looking for more power just quieter... Also looking to minimize expense.
The engine runs nice and has decent power. One thing I did when I rebuilt it was use the original rockers and pushrods... I should have spent a little more for new! One of the rockers makes a little noise now after multiple adjustments and I'm thinking of replacing the rockers & pushrods.
QUESTION Any recommendations for replacements? Stock, roller rockers, etc? The car is just a cruiser so I'm not really looking for more power just quieter... Also looking to minimize expense.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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did you determine if the rocker is actually loosening by marking it?
if it is not loosening you may have other issues such as a cam lobe wearing.
Have you removed the rocker completely and looked at the rocker arm stud for wear?
if it is not loosening you may have other issues such as a cam lobe wearing.
Have you removed the rocker completely and looked at the rocker arm stud for wear?
Last edited by MelWff; Dec 4, 2014 at 02:42 PM.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2014
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It doesn't make terrible noise or anything it's just noticeable and bugs me! Seems to have gotten a little worse as the engine has been broken in (now about 2000 miles). The noise also quiets down as the engine gets warmer. Adjustment has not totally eliminated it though.
When I built the engine I used plenty of cam lube on the new cam and followed the correct brake-in procedure. I run Valvoline VR1 20-50 W.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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do you have screw in studs, if not the stud could start to come out after all these years if you put in stiffer springs?
if you dont have pushrod guide plates I have seen the rockers wear grooves into the studs.
Unless you are racing the VR1 10W30 oil is a better choice.
if you dont have pushrod guide plates I have seen the rockers wear grooves into the studs.
Unless you are racing the VR1 10W30 oil is a better choice.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2014
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Also thanks for the input on the oil weight.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
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