Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
#1
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
Looking for something that will fit under the factory height valve cover. There's so many options out there some are bound to be junk.
#2
Supreme Member
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
I prefer steel over aluminium. Oner is for fatigue resistance (although many have reported many successful miles on the street, the engineer in me says no thanks). The aluminum bodies tend to wider as well and fitting under a stock centre bolt valve cover is problematic.
As it is, these COMPs below require a small amount of trimming of the cross brace under the valve cover. Quick work with a die grinder to narrow the support about 1/16th or so. Height is not an issue.
https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...illocation=int
Last edited by skinny z; 12-04-2022 at 10:27 AM.
#3
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
I don't think you can wrong with COMP. At least I can say I've never had an issue with several sets both in high RPM and high mileage applications.
I prefer steel over aluminium. Oner is for fatigue resistance (although many have reported many successful miles on the street, the engineer in me says no thanks). The aluminum bodies tend to wider as well and fitting under a stock centre bolt valve cover is problematic.
As it is, these COMPs below require a small amount of trimming of the cross brace under the valve cover. Quick work with a die grinder to narrow the support about 1/16th or so. Height is not an issue.
https://www.summitracing.com/search/...ll-block-gen-i
This is for 8 rockers.
I prefer steel over aluminium. Oner is for fatigue resistance (although many have reported many successful miles on the street, the engineer in me says no thanks). The aluminum bodies tend to wider as well and fitting under a stock centre bolt valve cover is problematic.
As it is, these COMPs below require a small amount of trimming of the cross brace under the valve cover. Quick work with a die grinder to narrow the support about 1/16th or so. Height is not an issue.
https://www.summitracing.com/search/...ll-block-gen-i
This is for 8 rockers.
#4
Supreme Member
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
The full roller is pricey for sure. I can't comment on the less expensive brands like Summit or Procomp.
That said, you don't necessarily need a full roller. Plenty of happy customers with a roller tip only.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...make/chevrolet
That said, you don't necessarily need a full roller. Plenty of happy customers with a roller tip only.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...make/chevrolet
Last edited by skinny z; 12-04-2022 at 10:33 AM.
#5
Supreme Member
#6
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
Might be somewhat anecdotal, but I think the steel ones are quieter than the aluminum too. I've heard other people say it too...
I ran aluminum a while ago and it sounded like a sewing machine. I'm currently running steel and it sounds like stock. Both were 1.6 full roller...
I ran aluminum a while ago and it sounded like a sewing machine. I'm currently running steel and it sounds like stock. Both were 1.6 full roller...
#7
Supreme Member
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
Scorpion #1038 narrow body 1.6 rr 3/8" stud aluminum roller rockers (guide plates req'd)
Fit under centerbolt type valve covers.
The "self aligning" type are #1036
Fit under centerbolt type valve covers.
The "self aligning" type are #1036
Last edited by F-BIRD'88; 12-04-2022 at 04:10 PM.
The following users liked this post:
Bills87IROC (12-27-2022)
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
Thanks for the recommendations. Those steel comps with the roller tip looks like a good bet
#9
Supreme Member
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
#10
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
I'm getting new heads with valves in them so I'll be getting an adjustable pushrod to figure out what length I'll need. However I now have a new concern since removing the intake manifold. I discovered a small amount of peeling paint in the lifter valley. It was painted 20 years ago with that Glyptal paint. The area where it peeled is on the China wall, front and back. I hope this didn't bung anything up. I'll have to clean that up really well and recoat the area. The engine is staying in the car for this head and cam swap. Always something
#11
Supreme Member
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
Peeling Glyptal?
That could be nasty. I can't say how I'd address it. Maybe go at the peeling edges with a scotch brite. Then treat the bare cast iron with a really good solvent. Paint again as needed. But I wouldn't go so far as another coat altogether. You'd hate to start an avalanche of further peeling if the new coat doesn't bond well on the old paint.
That could be nasty. I can't say how I'd address it. Maybe go at the peeling edges with a scotch brite. Then treat the bare cast iron with a really good solvent. Paint again as needed. But I wouldn't go so far as another coat altogether. You'd hate to start an avalanche of further peeling if the new coat doesn't bond well on the old paint.
#12
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
Peeling Glyptal?
That could be nasty. I can't say how I'd address it. Maybe go at the peeling edges with a scotch brite. Then treat the bare cast iron with a really good solvent. Paint again as needed. But I wouldn't go so far as another coat altogether. You'd hate to start an avalanche of further peeling if the new coat doesn't bond well on the old paint.
That could be nasty. I can't say how I'd address it. Maybe go at the peeling edges with a scotch brite. Then treat the bare cast iron with a really good solvent. Paint again as needed. But I wouldn't go so far as another coat altogether. You'd hate to start an avalanche of further peeling if the new coat doesn't bond well on the old paint.
The following users liked this post:
F-BIRD'88 (12-05-2022)
#16
Supreme Member
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
Just not digging the aluminum.
#17
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,723
Received 773 Likes
on
520 Posts
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
Maybe carbon fiber is more your thing?
a tad on the pricey side tho
#18
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Salt Lake City. UT
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: '92 RS
Engine: 5.0TBI
Transmission: TKX
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
Well, they are almost certainly out of my budget but, How much are carbon one's anyway? They sure look pretty though.
#19
Supreme Member
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
The Scorpion aluminum roller rockers have been the quietest roller rocker I have used.( the full body RACE series) These are very well made.
I have not personally used the small body aluminum roller rockers but would expect them to perform the same.
It is the stainless steel roller rockers that I have found to be noisey at idle.
The Scorpion aluminum roller rockers have a life time warranty. Not cheap but fair priced.
Made in USA. They will out live you in this street perf application.
I have not personally used the small body aluminum roller rockers but would expect them to perform the same.
It is the stainless steel roller rockers that I have found to be noisey at idle.
The Scorpion aluminum roller rockers have a life time warranty. Not cheap but fair priced.
Made in USA. They will out live you in this street perf application.
The following users liked this post:
Bills87IROC (12-27-2022)
#20
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
The full roller is pricey for sure. I can't comment on the less expensive brands like Summit or Procomp.
That said, you don't necessarily need a full roller. Plenty of happy customers with a roller tip only.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...make/chevrolet
That said, you don't necessarily need a full roller. Plenty of happy customers with a roller tip only.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...make/chevrolet
#21
Supreme Member
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
95%?
And I'd say that shaft rockers are a little excessive at this level. Not sure where you get your price points from.
OP asked for something that fits under an OEM valve cover. I can't think of a shaft system that fits that bill.
Full rollers with poly locks definitely will.
As for roller tip only and GMs approach, GM wants to save money on production engines. Go to a high zoot LS build and it's full roller all the way. Isn't that what you've seen as well?
I won't deny that achieving proper geometry is simplified with a shaft arrangement but it's not terribly difficult with a stud mounted full roller either. A few measurements are all that's needed. I've done it countless times. Once you get past all of the misinformation posted about method and what's right, it's generally clear sailing.
Of course, YMMV.
And I'd say that shaft rockers are a little excessive at this level. Not sure where you get your price points from.
OP asked for something that fits under an OEM valve cover. I can't think of a shaft system that fits that bill.
Full rollers with poly locks definitely will.
As for roller tip only and GMs approach, GM wants to save money on production engines. Go to a high zoot LS build and it's full roller all the way. Isn't that what you've seen as well?
I won't deny that achieving proper geometry is simplified with a shaft arrangement but it's not terribly difficult with a stud mounted full roller either. A few measurements are all that's needed. I've done it countless times. Once you get past all of the misinformation posted about method and what's right, it's generally clear sailing.
Of course, YMMV.
#23
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: 212 is up in this Bit@#
Posts: 2,763
Received 739 Likes
on
565 Posts
Car: Resto-Mod 1987 IROC-Z Clone
Engine: Alky fed L92 Vortec Twin-Turbo 6.8L
Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
Axle/Gears: Custom 12 bolt (4.10:1)
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
Forgive me if I missed it...
Did anyone get into "Self Guided" vs having Guide-Plates for the Rocker Arms?
Did anyone get into "Self Guided" vs having Guide-Plates for the Rocker Arms?
The following users liked this post:
Bills87IROC (12-27-2022)
#24
Supreme Member
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
If I were to do it again at the previous power levels (< 400 HP), I would have stuck with guided rockers. RPMs were low as was the valve lift.
I think though, as RPMs increase ( north of 6k), the further along the mid span of the pushrod for support, the better.
Last edited by skinny z; 12-27-2022 at 08:43 PM.
#25
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: 212 is up in this Bit@#
Posts: 2,763
Received 739 Likes
on
565 Posts
Car: Resto-Mod 1987 IROC-Z Clone
Engine: Alky fed L92 Vortec Twin-Turbo 6.8L
Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
Axle/Gears: Custom 12 bolt (4.10:1)
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
Most People who are familiar with Stock Engine and Mild Performance Engine Rebuilding would say that the Roller-Tip of a Rocker-Arm is pointless.
To an extent it would be.
However with higher Lifts (Over 0.6000" at the Valve), higher Spring Rates (Over 400 Lbs Open), higher Power Output, and especially Valve-Guides that are other than Iron...
The Roller-Tip (using Guide-Plates) actually makes a significant difference in the life of the Valve-guides, Seals, and Valves.
A Non-Roller-Tip can push the valve forwards and backwards... causing wear and tear on the Guides Etc.
The Roller-Tip (using Guide-Plates) greatly reduces this wear and tear.
Also the Self-Guided Rocker-Arms can cause wear and tear, pushing the Valve from side to side.
To an extent it would be.
However with higher Lifts (Over 0.6000" at the Valve), higher Spring Rates (Over 400 Lbs Open), higher Power Output, and especially Valve-Guides that are other than Iron...
The Roller-Tip (using Guide-Plates) actually makes a significant difference in the life of the Valve-guides, Seals, and Valves.
A Non-Roller-Tip can push the valve forwards and backwards... causing wear and tear on the Guides Etc.
The Roller-Tip (using Guide-Plates) greatly reduces this wear and tear.
Also the Self-Guided Rocker-Arms can cause wear and tear, pushing the Valve from side to side.
Last edited by vorteciroc; 12-27-2022 at 04:30 PM.
The following users liked this post:
Bills87IROC (12-27-2022)
#26
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hurst, Texas
Posts: 10,037
Received 393 Likes
on
336 Posts
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
I don't believe the discussion has come up here however that's something I've mulled over more than once having converted a set of OEM Vortecs to guide plates.
If I were to do it again at the previous power levels (< 400 HP), I would have stuck with guide plates.
I think though, as RPMs increase ( north of 6k), the further along the mid span of the pushrod for support, the better.
If I were to do it again at the previous power levels (< 400 HP), I would have stuck with guide plates.
I think though, as RPMs increase ( north of 6k), the further along the mid span of the pushrod for support, the better.
Last edited by Fast355; 12-27-2022 at 04:09 PM.
#27
Supreme Member
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
Originally Posted by vorteciroc;6488861...
The Roller-Tip (using Guide-Plates) actually makes a significant difference in the life of the Valve-guides, Seals, and Valves.
#28
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
I'm down to the Scorpion narrow body aluminum or Summits all steel full roller....made in china. What's the life like on the aluminum rocker? I'm kind of leery about using those. the COMP 1618-16 are self aligning and the new heads use guide plates. The other version for Comp is out of stock, or I'd go with those
Last edited by EDGE; 12-28-2022 at 10:39 AM.
#29
Supreme Member
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
I belive that the Scorpion rockers have a lifetime warranty.. Something for you to check.
These rockers typically out live the engine in the street strip hi perf application.
These rockers typically out live the engine in the street strip hi perf application.
The following users liked this post:
Bills87IROC (12-28-2022)
#30
Supreme Member
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
The oem style ball stud stamped steel rocker
only show high friction when they are brand new.
Once they break in and create a seat in the rocker for the ball to ride on the friction is MUCH LOWER.
It is then not much different than a roller rocker at the same street strip friendly valve spring forces.
Any hyd roller cam and springs are fine. Use the long slot type for higher valve lifts.
The name brand rockers like Howards or Isky are good good quality. At street strip valve sprung force and rpms these ball stud stamped steel rockers will out live the engine.
Just like any flat tappet cam and lifters these rockers need a break in period to seat.
Lots of oil flow and light spring force for break in helps... I recomend a moly anti wear additive in your oil. EG: MolySlip E oil supplement in all engines with flat tappet cams/ lifters and stamped steel rockers. It works. Its the same anti wear moly additive that is in heavey duty ball joint, tie rod and supension bushing chassis grease for long service life but this stuff is made for engine oil.
I agree about the roller tip. It likely does not actually roll back and forth, but it does no harm.
only show high friction when they are brand new.
Once they break in and create a seat in the rocker for the ball to ride on the friction is MUCH LOWER.
It is then not much different than a roller rocker at the same street strip friendly valve spring forces.
Any hyd roller cam and springs are fine. Use the long slot type for higher valve lifts.
The name brand rockers like Howards or Isky are good good quality. At street strip valve sprung force and rpms these ball stud stamped steel rockers will out live the engine.
Just like any flat tappet cam and lifters these rockers need a break in period to seat.
Lots of oil flow and light spring force for break in helps... I recomend a moly anti wear additive in your oil. EG: MolySlip E oil supplement in all engines with flat tappet cams/ lifters and stamped steel rockers. It works. Its the same anti wear moly additive that is in heavey duty ball joint, tie rod and supension bushing chassis grease for long service life but this stuff is made for engine oil.
I agree about the roller tip. It likely does not actually roll back and forth, but it does no harm.
Last edited by F-BIRD'88; 12-28-2022 at 05:57 PM.
The following users liked this post:
skinny z (12-28-2022)
#31
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,723
Received 773 Likes
on
520 Posts
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
Crane narrow body is what I've used on stock valve covers
#32
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: 212 is up in this Bit@#
Posts: 2,763
Received 739 Likes
on
565 Posts
Car: Resto-Mod 1987 IROC-Z Clone
Engine: Alky fed L92 Vortec Twin-Turbo 6.8L
Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
Axle/Gears: Custom 12 bolt (4.10:1)
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
I have used many different Brands...
I like Harland Sharp (the Creator of the Roller Rocker-Arm) for a budget Set.
I like Harland Sharp (the Creator of the Roller Rocker-Arm) for a budget Set.
#34
Supreme Member
#35
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hurst, Texas
Posts: 10,037
Received 393 Likes
on
336 Posts
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
#36
Member
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
I have the GMPP 1.6 rollers in a zz430 clone. They've been good. Simple install and no complaints. Definitely sounds like a sewing machine a little at idle. Quiet while driving in the car. I adjusted them while it was running after the initial build and no sound difference. They are close to the aluminum center bolt valve covers but as long as they're centered they're fine.
#37
Supreme Member
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
I am re-using a cheap set of Jegs 1.6s that have ~40K miles on them in the 350 Vortec I am currently building. They were run in an engine that had 0.536 lift and LS7 blue springs. Those rockers probably have more like the equivalent of 60-70K miles on them if they were in a F-car. My van had 5.13 gears and frequently towed heavy trailers. Even though they did not have alot of miles they had alot of cycles on them with ~3,000 rpm @ 70 mph. Van also had a lot of idle hours on it from heavily congested roads and city driving in DFW, Austin, San Antonio, Houston and the like. There were many times it would idle for close to an hour to get 10 miles, take your foot off the brake, idle forward 100 ft, then repeat. Rockers still look and feel like new.
I've no concerns about metal fatigue but I was a little surprised the trunnion bearing are worn out. They've seen a varied service life with stop and go traffic like you've described, tens of thousands of highway miles and hundreds of WOT high RPM passes.
Rebuilding now required at 25,000 miles.
Last edited by skinny z; 01-01-2023 at 10:56 AM.
#38
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Re: Any recommendations for 1.6 rockers?
I ended up ordering the Scorpion narrow body 1.6 rockers.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
monte-ss
Tech / General Engine
1
02-18-2002 12:37 PM