rocker shafts and air cleaners

[common 27]

  I've just got a set of Crane ductile rockers and was wondering if I should use the original shafts,get new ones from Mopar, chrome ones from Mopar or the heavy duty ones that 440 source sells.The rockers do not have the bushings. I also was wondering when it comes to air cleaners,if there is not any hood clearance problem ,is there an advantage of having a air cleaner that does not have a dropped base so the filter is actually above the carb, or are the dropped base for clearance problems only ? While I'm asking away has any one used the cheaper fluid dampners that can be bought for around $100 instead of the others around $350 and up? Thats all for now  Thanks

[Moparal]

  I've just got a set of Crane ductile rockers and was wondering if I should use the original shafts,get new ones from Mopar, chrome ones from Mopar or the heavy duty ones that 440 source sells.The rockers do not have the bushings. I also was wondering when it comes to air cleaners,if there is not any hood clearance problem ,is there an advantage of having a air cleaner that does not have a dropped base so the filter is actually above the carb, or are the dropped base for clearance problems only ? While I'm asking away has any one used the cheaper fluid dampners that can be bought for around $100 instead of the others around $350 and up? Thats all for now  Thanks

Hopefully chryco will post his  . But if your cam doesn't have a big lift say over a 550 or so, you should be able to run your shafts if they are in good shape. I have done this many times with no problems. I would also guess that the more area over the carb for air to circulate through, the better the flow capabilities.  I never tried a cheap fluid dampner. I had some friends that tried a cheaper type, and they said that when the engine was cold or in cold weather, the engine rattled ie or vibrated and caused bearing damage. Maybe Neil can see this and give a better opinion. I have built and run but 4 or 5 dozen engines, and only a hand full with your question. No rocker shaft failures tho. I dont trust cheap fluid damps tho. And I have heard a few stories on sm blks with the tci rattlers.

[cudabob496]

I'd call the Crane tech line and ask them.

[Bullitt-]

As for air cleaners I would think that the more filter area you can get the better, for instance if a drop base will get you 1/4" or more taller filter then the benefits would be worth getting it, all else being equal.

[common 27]

   I guess I will call the Crane tech line, that never entered my mind. Does any one know what the benifit is of the chrome shafts? Is the chrome just harder than the steel preventing wear? My air cleaner question was because I read that Chevy designed it's big block air cleaner with a drop base to get the air to move in a upward curve instead of a down ward if that makes any sense?

[nivvy]

440sources shafts are hardened shafts.... well worth the price... go with them!!!

[Chryco Psycho]

if the shafts have any scoring or wear I would replace them the rockers themselves are virtually indestructable even above .600 lift
 You can get Crane or 440 Source HD shafts
 I feel there is an advantage to maximizing the air filter size & recommend a drop base & the new filter tops as well
 I have to Agree with Al , if you are going to a fluid damper buy a good one , if not get a billet Steel SFI rated Damper from 440 source for $130

[cudabob496]

Yah, maximize the air filter surface area, go with a drop base, then get one of those K&N like lids. By the way, if you want to make an additional 25+ horsepower, go with one of these (cold air at a positive pressure). I have the set up on my Cuda:

http://ramairbox.com/index.html
http://ramairbox.com/install.html