I'm in the process of changing the valve seals on my 396. I currently have the stock rockers. The problem is that the rotating balls have some serious wear marks. I have been considering putting roller tip rockers in. Is it worth the money or should I just stick to stock rockers? I don't want to go with full roller rockers becuase of the clearance to the valve cover. I have the original valve covers and don't want to bend or remove the inners. Any help will be appreciated.

If this is a pretty much stock engine, stock rockers are fine. You can get a set new aftermarket for not very much money. On the other hand, if this is a radical engine that sees high rpm, rollers are the only way to go. Roller tips are not much of an improvment on stock. They are usually more accurately made, that is, the ratios are closer to what they are said to be. If you go with any rocker that uses a ball pivot, get grooved balls, they will oil much better, run cooler, and last longer.

just alittle info about the roller tip rockers.......they are slightly noisy..there is a slight tapping noise with them......(and no its not because something isnt adjust right) they just have a natural tap to them.....and i can only speak of the comp. rockers that are rated at 1.72 lift........some dont like the little noise but maybe a nice new set of high quality stock ones would be alittle more accurate in the lift department......

Roller tips add nothing IMHO. Replace the balls and nuts. You CAN run rollers under there, but again, not worth much unless you using .600 lift and spinning it up good.

Thanks to all. I'm going to buy the Crane stamped
rockers, they come with new balls and nuts. I was going to just replace the ball and nuts but I thought they should wear into a new rocker. Thanks again.

Make sure there is good oil to the pivot balls. Running dry will kill then in no time. Ask if you can get grooved balls with the Crane rockers. They survive better.

Thanks Pat. I did get the gooved balls.