high lift rocker arms

[BradW]

Does anyone know where high lift rocker arms can be bought for a 223? They used to be sold on Ebay from time to time and I should have picked up a set but didn't think I'd use them, now I'd like a set. any help would be appreciated.
Brad

bradwilley@nwi.net

 

[fmartin_gila]

I bought a set of 12 some years back and still have not got around to installing them, one more stalled off project that I will eventually get to. The instruction sheet in the box has this info: Barker Hi-Lift Rocker Arms, B & B Automotive, 546-A West Broadway, Glendale 4, California. I don't have any idea if they are there still or not. I bought these (2 sets of 6 rockers) from the seller on EBay long time ago. I do intend to use them on my 223, this is just to give you some information as a starting point.

Fred

 

[BradW]

Thanks Fred,I'll keep an eye out, I have a nice running rebuild 223 in a 55 Ford that I was thinking of hopping up a bit with carbs, headers, electronic ignition and these rocker arms if I can find them.
Brad

 

[Divco man]

Brad, If you find a source, please post on this thread, or let me know x PM. I bought a set of 6, sometime back, and never got around to getting the second set. Haven''t seen any listed on e-bay in some time.Jim

 

[shmoozo]

I found this using a google search:

1955 Ad for B & B Automotive Hi-Lift rockers.

Yes, that's an ad in the February 1955 issue of Rod and Custom Magazine. And yes, that was over half a century ago.

I'm not finding anything significantly more recent than that on the company so my guess is they may have gone out of business decades ago. I did find some messages over on the H.A.M.B. from somebody looking for the same things, but the thread fades out with no resolution to the search.

You may want to change your approach and either look into getting the stock cam reground into a more sporty profile, or try to find a performance cam for the engine.

 

[godheadcustoms]

IIRC, someone still had a few grinds for the 223. Seems like it was either Offy, Chet Herbert or Clifford, although trying to get them out of Clifford might be a bit lengthy. Something in the 260* range. I know the Barkers seem like they come up on Ebay a couple of times a year. I saw a set not too long ago, maybe 6-ish months ago.

 

['68falconohio]

My buddy said his Uncles used to cut and section rockers back in the day when camshafts were out of their spending limits. Maybe you can talk to a speed shop and see if this is a service they can provide?

 

[shmoozo]

My buddy said his Uncles used to cut and section rockers back in the day when camshafts were out of their spending limits. Maybe you can talk to a speed shop and see if this is a service they can provide?

The cost of labor to have somebody else do that would likely exceed the cost of a new camshaft (assuming such things do still exist), so I tend to think of that as a do-it-yourself sort of trick for guys who have the tools and ability needed to pull it off well. On the other hand if new cams aren't available and you can't even find anybody willing to regrind the stock cam, then this might be the only option left available.

 

[godheadcustoms]

Does anyone know what's the ratio for the stock rocker arms? I've tried a search here and a few other sites with no luck. For that matter, what's the ratio for the Barker's?

 

[fmartin_gila]

I have no idea what the ratio is. I kind of figured that when I do get around to installing the Barkers, I would do some close inspection and comparison, but haven't got there yet.

Fred

 

[Divco man]

I have the ratio of the barkers in my notes. I just need to dig them out and then I'll post em here. Jim

 

[WerbyFord]

For the stock 215-223 I have down a ratio of 1.52 for 1952-1956, and then 1.43 from 1957-1964.
Not sure of the pedigree but that's what I have :|

 

[godheadcustoms]

I dug up a spare set of rockers arms and my unscientific method of measuring shows a 1.425:1 ratio which supports the above notes. I believe the engine is a 58-59 vintage.

 

[texas_rat_trap]

Schneider Racing Cams will do any regrind on your camshaft for a $100--264-F, 264 duration, .450" lift, 110 lobe center .220" @ .050" is the biggest you can go,sounds pretty radical too!