cam lift lost

Higher ratio rockers actually improve the valvetrain geometry on smallblock Chryslers, as they move the pushrod tip towards the shaft, and in the same direction as the lifter angle, thus straightening it out very slightly.

The pushrod angle in relationship to the lifter is measured from the lifter seat to the rocker arm seat (cup/ball). Therefore, the taller the lifter and the longer the rocker arm pivot (lower ratio rockers), the more acute the angle.

However, the flipside of using a higher ratio rocker is that it will multiply the valvetrain geometric losses more than a lower ratio rocker at the valve tip (1.6x as opposed to 1.5x etc). Which basically means, you may get slightly better geometry, but you also lose more proportional lift inherent in the design.

Geometric losses for an average street cam and 1.5 rocker will be at least 0.010"-0.015" at the valve.

Don't forget that W2 style offset rockers increase the pushrod angle even more by moving the pushrod out to the side.

Adding to all this is the fact there will also be losses from rocker arm and pushrod flex as the engine turns over - as much as 0.025" or more depending on how weak your rockers and pushrods are in relation to your springs, and how high you rev the engine (lifter/pushrod inertia and high ramp rates at higher revs can actually flick the lifter off the cam nose - like a springboard - and increase valve lift).

Basically, everything affects everything!