Race App. Rocker Arm Assembly

[Theo]

I'm very curious to see a HP race app. rocker assembly for the MEL. Beep is the owner oof the Gizzle Hopper. Maybe he can tell us a word about it or post us a few photos of his assembly. I'm very curious on what brand it is, what racio and wether or not is might have been a homemade custom set up. Beep?...

[Beep]

My rocker arms are an old set of Isky 1.5:1 adjustable made to be used specifically for an old Isky roller cam.

[Beep]

Things to know about MEL rocker arms. 1) The stock rockers are 1.76:1 ratio for all year models. 2) FE rockers are interchangeable to the MEL, but only the rockers, not the rest of the valve train.

Base facts:
1) Back in the late 50's and early 60's all performance cam grinders ground cams for 1.5:1 rocker arms. Until around 1963/64 they did not/could not grind performance cams with higher ratios. Without going into very technical detail, it was due to ramp speeds of the cams. Technolgy was not available at the time to slow down the ramp speeds and still get the right lift, overlap, duration,,,,etc.

2) With the exception of the sbc, pony and Chrysler hemi, most ther engines came with highr ratios stock. Therefore most cam grinders of the day also made rocker arms. They had to replace the stock arms with higher ratios with the 1.5:1 rockers.

3) Around 1963 or so Isky invented the process used today to grind cams that could run with higher ratios.

4) Isky made cams for the MEL engines in 1964 that called for 1.5:1 and cams calling for 1.76:1. You ordered what you wanted. After 1965 he only made cams for the higher ratios.

5) You have to know which cam you have. NOTE: all the Isky roller cams for the MEL's had either 505 or 550 lift at the valve.

[Theo]

Thank you Beep, that was an interesting excursion into the MEL race cam world. Since your cam and rockers are from that time I wonder how durable they are and what steps have been or may be taken to replace or maintain them. Your Nitro MEL is sure demanding on the components. Lobes, rollers and rocker arms take quite some pounding over the years.
I'm curious what kind of rocker arm stands your MEL is runnning. Did they come w. the ISKY set or are they some kind of HP home made bullet prove? I would appreciate to see photos if available.