This just doesn't seem right to me - opinions?

[bw]

There have been some postings on the ffcobra forum regarding rollers not aligning correctly on engines with Z heads.  So I pulled the valve covers and took a look.  (See attached photos - sorry for the poor quality)  I have more photos but the quality isn't any better.  I have little experience on high performance engines but this just doesn't seem right to me. In short - on several, the center of the rollers do not align with the center of the valve stem.  On a few, the misalignment is off far enough that the roller does not completely cover the valve stem. 

Before I chase this as a problem with the manufacturer - I'd like some knowlegeable opinions.  Thanks for your help!

[Scott Harrison]

Nice photos! 

The bottom pic looks like the rocker is really off. Did you try to adjust the pushrod guide plates to center the rocker?

[Scott Harrison]

As we discussed, you may have the wrong rockers.
 
Your 392 crate engine is this one...http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=9278

That 392 should have come with these heads.... http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=9203

These Z304DA heads require offset rocker arms.... http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=2099

                       
7/16" stud mount intake rocker with .150" offset pushrod.

Are those the rockers on your heads? If they are, perhaps some of the rockers were installed in the wrong places.

Your valve train should look something like this...looks like all the intake rockers are slightly off-center.



If not, send the pix to Forte and see if he'll replace the rockers.

[Fred K]

Those look like the right rockers. I can't tell from pic's about the angle. I'd check the pushrod length and the stud length. They should be 6.7-6.8" and the studs should be longer than the stock 1.9. If you got it from Mike he can be alot more help than us.
Fred

[bw]

Thanks Scott and Fred -

I need to take more and better pictures.  After talking with Scott, I think I understand the problem a little better. 

I've talked to Mike F and sent him pictures.  Apparently Z heads require a special offset rocker.  Ford understands that some engines were built with the wrong rockers installed so they're providing the correct replacement parts where needed.  No major recall is planned, however.

[Scott Harrison]

...Ford understands that some engines were built with the wrong rockers installed so they're providing the correct replacement parts where needed......

That would explain your problem.

Bill...BTW, what is stamped on the current rockers? I can't read it from the pics you posted. Can you post the pix you sent Forte?  Inquiring minds need to know.

Fred...I don't think the pushrod length would affect the offset of the valve tip in the direction that Bill is experiencing.

[InProcess]

Fred...I don't think the pushrod length would affect the offset of the valve tip in the direction that Bill is experiencing.

Concur, typically push rod length only effects in axis contact patch on valve tip.  This is the first I have heard off offset rockers on these motors.   I used Eldebrock heads on my 392 (round up to 393) so I didn't have this problem.

[Fred K]

No but it would mean it was one from the F'd up batch, they all had the wrong pushrods and studs too. You can get the rockers off with the right parts. FYI. I'm pretty sure Bill will be getting a gift basket from ford soon.

[Scott Harrison]

....it was one from the F'd up batch, they all had the wrong pushrods and studs too.

UGH!...Is this the voice of experience?

[Ben Lambiotte]

Not from the Coupe experience. 

We used Canfield heads, Jesel shaft rockers, and actually measured the pushrod length and got Manleys in the indicated size. 

The "footprint" of the valve tip across the rocker arm roller was, and still is, perfect.

However, my choice of timing gear was not so hot, as it turned out.

[bw]

Update - took more / better pictures last night and sent them to Mike Forte (where I bought the engine) and to Ford today.  Mike has also been in contact with Ford and agrees that some correction is needed.  Haven't yet heard back from Ford.   

[Scott Harrison]

Sent u an email.