I have a 502 with a 2.3 top mount whipple and Canfield heads, motor has 8.5 compression. I don’t have the cam spec but I can almost guarantee it’s not a big cam, I know the motor was build for reliability in mind.

I bought the motor with no rockers on it, any ideas if I should go with 1.6 or 1.7?

Not the answer to your question however what was the reason for not having rockers. Just curious. Also BBCs are standard 1.70 rocker. No reason for 1.6 unless there’s a piston to valve clearance concern which I highly doubt in your case. If you have a dial indicator set it up on your pushrod and check for full lift. Most accurate would be with a solid lifter but you can still get close or remove the outer spring to lesson the pressure. JMO

The rockers were took off to relax the springs and they were no where to be found when I bought it. I did not know that all BBC had 1.7 maybe that answers my question.

1.7 is standard BBC