If I have the old valve train to go in a newer, rebuilt head, but do not have the stepped bolt for the rear. What are my options?

Can I drill and tap the newer head?

Maybe best option is to sell it and have my old head re-done.

I’m hoping you get a response from someone more familiar, cause I’m doing the same with mine. My understanding is that the stepped bolt was to work with a larger hole on top of a newer rocker shaft, to insure it was installed correctly. It would only fit one way. I’ve read about drilling one side of an older rocker shaft to use a newer bolt, and I’ve also heard that the bolt was specific to the head you’re using, not the shaft. So, for what it’s worth thats all I’ve heard. Hopefully we both get a definitive answer!

Hmm... what would happen if I just get a regular bolt that fits the new head, and tighten it down with the rocker shaft hold down bracket?

I used a 5/16" stud on my motor in the Valiant. So far I have seen no adverse effects.

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Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.

I think as long as the curved washer between the head of the bolt/nut and the rocker arm shaft sealed reaonably well there would not be a problem using a stud or a skinnier bolt. The stepped bolt ws used to ensure the rocker arm shaft was installer with the oiling holes in the correct orientation. So long as the oiler holes are pinted the right way and the rear rocker arm shaft bolt/stud seals properly, I think you will be fine.

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

Thanks, guys. I'll be swapping the heads sometime this week. Will rebuild the motor at a later date, using the original head. Gives me time to re-work it a bit.