Rocker arm issues

well, in order to set the preload correctly, you'll need shims, and to follow the tightening sequence. Easiest route would be to find a decent set of Crane Roller Rockers, but for stockers I believe the shims and a good couple hours should do.

Basically you can't just start tightening them, you need to follow the firing order and do them in order, you haven't tried to drive the car yet have you?

shims.hours.firing order.

Once all 16 rocker arms are installed to “snug” turn the engine over, clockwise to top dead center (the timing pointer pointed at “0” on the crankshaft) and check the number one cylinder intake and exhaust valves. They should both be closed (you should be able to spin the pushrod). If they are not both closed the crankshaft will need to be rotated 360* to TDC to correctly start the torqueing procedure. With the engine on TDC, torque the #1 intake, #1 exhaust, #4 intake, #3 exhaust, #8 intake & #7 exhaust rocker arms to 15 lb.-ft with a torque wrench. Once torqued, the pushrods are tight and will not rotate; the shims will have to be implemented. Begin with the thinnest shim and repeat the above procedures until the pushrod can be rotated without any end play. Once these valves have been checked and the rocker arms adjusted, continue to the next set by rotating the crankshaft 360* and torqueing #3 intake, #2 exhaust, #7 intake & #6 exhaust rocker arms in the same manner as the previous set. Complete the torquing procedure by rotating the crankshaft an additional 90* and torque the #2 intake, #4 exhaust, #5 intake, #5 exhaust, #6 intake, and #8 exhaust rocker arms as above. Most engines will not need the shims, but it better to be safe than sorry.

If you find the installation instructions for the crane cobra rockers, there it will tell you what amount of turn you need to get to 15lbs. If its over a turn after hand tight, you need a big shim, etc etc. Good stuff. That firing order above is a heck of alot faster than how I did it! Good luck. The shim kit is cheap at least.