1973 360 heads

I brought a pair of '73 heads to the machine shop. The heads have 150,000 miles on them. I asked the owner to do the "full Monty" to them......hot tank, magna flux, new valves, retainers, and springs. The owner said he would call to say what the heads need and how much. He will probably ask if I want to stay with rotator valves. What is better? Rotator or non-rotator?

Below is a new Eddy Performance Plus cam & lifters kit, new stock-type pistons .030", '68 390 block/crank/rods, balanced rotating assembly, dog-leg exhaust manifolds.

The rotators were installed to extend valve/seat life. It won't hurt to leave them on, but it won't hurt to remove them either. I've removed them from all the early heads I've had rebuilt and just gone with standard springs and retainers and had hardened exhaust seats installed. 73 heads should have individual rockers, so the pushrod holes are oval and act as guides. You will need hardened pushrods designed for guide plates if you replace them.

Bob
tufcj

The 68 rockers should work. Pushrods might, depending on machine work done. If the head has been milled or the block decked, you may need custom pushrods.

If the heads are off, you have an option. You can drill/tap the late heads for the early manifold, or slot the manifold. Use a valley pan as a template for the new holes either way.

Bob
tufcj

390AMX2, I have the 1969 TSM and I can't find the specifications for the pushrods. What page is it on?

I purchased my 1968 push rods from The AMC Store. They are a vendor here and listed in the Vendor Directory. Part # 48092 listed for 66-69 V8 at $5.00 each. The push rods measure approximately 7.76" long and are 5/16" in diameter. The 16 push rods came in a sealed bag with no name on the bag. I also purchased my rocker arm kit (ball, rocker arm, nut) from The AMC Store Part # RA 44057 for $128.00. Again, no name on the bag the rocker arm kit came in. I purchased a engine rebuild kit from The AMC Store. The other parts came in boxes and the parts are made by well known companies: Clevite cam bearings, OHIO main bearings, TRW timing set, Packard Pistons, Grant rings. I'm installing a Performer Plus cam & lifter kit.