Comp Cam adjustable valve train 403

[Gold member]

I added a set of good used #7 heads to my 403 big difference in power and exhaust sound. I ended up with a small rocker arm tick so i am going to add a adjustable Comp Cam 1441 valve train kit . Has anyone used this kit ? any tips on install ?
https://www.jegs.com/i/COMP-Cams/249/1441-KIT/10002/-1

[Wallington]

You'll possibly need custom length pushrods to suit your engine and heads.

[Gold member]

Wondering why i would nee that The kit is made for a stock 403. Motor still has the stock cam from 1979 is all original except the heads . Spoke to the machine shop that inspected the heads valve stem height could be off for non adjustable valve train they suggested this kit. Not looking to make it a race car just add a little HP. Before i took off the 4A heads the motor ran and sounded great no tick. Thanks for your thought on this .

[Wallington]

You no longer have a stock 403. The replacements may be of use but rarely are. An adjustable pushrod will determine the length you need and then compare.
Stock length 350-403 pushrods measure in @ 8.265". The 7843 pushrods supplied with the 1441-KIT are 8.500". Different valvetrain design obviously. My rebuilt 403 and 4A's skimmed once required 8.400". If either have been rebuilt in the past, or machined or had new valves put in, it becomes an unknown. Again, may be just fine.

[Gold member]

Got it. Appreciate you taking the time to explain .

[Gold member]

The kit is in and running fine . The biggest pain was setting up all the push rod guide plates after that it was straight forward . The quality of the rocker arms were very good the only bad part was the lock nuts for the rocker arms very cheep . I would suggest a good quality nylock nut instead .

[Wallington]

I didn't use the supplied kit nuts either, Comp Cams polylocks.

[Gold member]

Hey Wallington . Did the nuts you used still fit under the factory Olds valve cover ?

[Wallington]

All stock here for valve covers

[Gold member]

I still have the junk nuts on but just ordered a push rod checker so i can order the correct push rods. Do you remember what Com Cam part number you used for the better rocker arm nut ?

[Wallington]

No, sorry. I believe they were also Comp Cams brand. That was 10 years ago and much of the products have changed, I just did a search to see that. I still have the ball nuts and another set of polylocks that were returned after engine rebuild, so they may have tried another set first.

Just checked my notes I'd saved in regards to engine rebuild details. No parts numbers given but says to use the 'short' polylocks for clearance, otherwise if using the regular length with valve covers and internal baffles you may need to double up the gasket.

[Gold member]

I just purchased the Comp Cams 4604-16 poly lock Rocker Arm Nuts will report back and let everyone know if they fit under the stock covers.

[olds403]

If not use two vc gaskets and glue them together with weather stripping adhesive,  then use longer bolts.  On our stroker 403 we have Harland sharpe and use aluminum vc spacers.  Easy to fix

[Wallington]

How thick are those spacers, Mike?

[olds403]

3/8 inch.  Remember gasket on each side  it will be more like 1/2 inch all said and done and that is using thin rubber ones.  A/c bkt on passenger side will need spacers

https://shop.rocketracingshop.com/3-8-VALVE-COVER-SPACERS-BILLET-6061-ALUMINUM-OLDS-RR-3-8-VALVE.htm

[Gold member]

Well the  Comp Cams 4604-16 poly lock Rocker Arm Nuts do fit under the stock covers with no issues.