I took my heads to the machine shop today for a valve job. After talking to him for sometime he suggested that using 1.6 roller rochers was a bad idea and that they wear the guides down very fast. What is everyones opinion on this.

 

It is BS. Some cars come with 1.6 rockers stock, some even higher.

Nod agreeingly, keep your mouth shut, and take your machine work somewhere else next time.

 

Isnt there some truth to the change in geometry that would cause premature wear. Common sense tells me it might be true. But, I am not a mechanic by trade and would like to know a little more on this. This particular machine shop has been in business for over 30 yrs I thought they would know what they are talking about . Mind you that I wont exceed a .500 lift but close

 

Geometry, yes. Ratio, no.

 

Did I read that right I thought the purpose was to change the ratio to increase lift to change the or increase doesnt that require changing the geometry of the valve system

 

I think what he's sayin is the wrong geometry will cause wear, but a higher ration won't cause the wrong geometry, so it's ok. Unless, I'm reading it wrong.

 

The shop is probably thinking the 1.6 rockers are going to put more pressure on the side of the guide due to the rockers longer length. But the extra length is on the side the pushrod is on which can cause clearance problems with your guide holes. The valves should still just be going straight up and down in the valve guides. As long as the geometry is still correct which it probably will be with only a .1 ratio difference you should not have any more wear.

Something I have noticed about people in the automotive services industry. Some people have a lot of time in their trade and some people have a lot of experience. And one doesn't always determine the other.