1.6 rockers instead of new cam?
1.6 rockers instead of new cam?
My cam is still in good shape, but I wish it had more lift. Specs: 194/204 @ .05 - .398/.442 lift. The engine is just a carbed 305 with stock heads. Instead of getting a monster cam I figured 1.6 rockers would do me some justice right? Would I have to replace stock valve springs? Opinions? Thanks dudes.
Originally posted by Justy:
My cam is still in good shape, but I wish it had more lift. Specs: 194/204 @ .05 - .398/.442 lift. The engine is just a carbed 305 with stock heads. Instead of getting a monster cam I figured 1.6 rockers would do me some justice right? Would I have to replace stock valve springs? Opinions? Thanks dudes.
My cam is still in good shape, but I wish it had more lift. Specs: 194/204 @ .05 - .398/.442 lift. The engine is just a carbed 305 with stock heads. Instead of getting a monster cam I figured 1.6 rockers would do me some justice right? Would I have to replace stock valve springs? Opinions? Thanks dudes.
1.6 rockers will add about 16 horsepower. You may need to grind extra clearance in the pushrod holes (located in the heads). Check with a 305 guy to see - maybe okay if left alone.
Save your nickels and dimes until you can pop for a 350. Good luck.

Boys.......I'm baaaack.
BOR
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: sarasota, fl
Car: FORMULA 350
Engine: ZZ4
Transmission: 700R4
my opinion is to save your money for a bigger engine. but if you must have some speed now,,,forgo the1.6 rockers and go get some laughing gas. either way you will be facing the fact that you need a larger, stronger engine.
Justy,
Box is right. 16.6 HP, 17.4 lb/ft of torque maximum - and that's if evertything else has been tweaked and the big bottleneck is the valve train. If you had a 9.5:1 TPI with enlarged exhaust, plenum, underdrives, synthetics, hot ignition, higher fuel pressure, etc., the extra lift might be of greater benefit.
For a relatively stock, low-compression 305, Jester is probably closer.
See a few of the earlier threads on 305 versus 350 and you'll see why the cost of the rockers might be better spent on an engine stand. I installed 1.6:1 roller tips on my '86 TA and it made a minor difference. And, yes, you can keep the stock springs with that cam and 1.6:1s.
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Later,
Vader
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"Make Me Bad"
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Box is right. 16.6 HP, 17.4 lb/ft of torque maximum - and that's if evertything else has been tweaked and the big bottleneck is the valve train. If you had a 9.5:1 TPI with enlarged exhaust, plenum, underdrives, synthetics, hot ignition, higher fuel pressure, etc., the extra lift might be of greater benefit.
For a relatively stock, low-compression 305, Jester is probably closer.
See a few of the earlier threads on 305 versus 350 and you'll see why the cost of the rockers might be better spent on an engine stand. I installed 1.6:1 roller tips on my '86 TA and it made a minor difference. And, yes, you can keep the stock springs with that cam and 1.6:1s.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"Make Me Bad"
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0
10 HP isnt worth it for the price and effort? I guess that is a rather subjective opinion since you can buy a set of stamped steel 1.6 rockers for about $65, use new pushrods for another $25 and install them in about an hour. Sounds worth it to me if I was looking for an inexpensive mod to get me a little more torque and top end.
Roy
Roy
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Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 0
From: Oakville, Ct
Car: 1991Firebird T/A
Engine: 350
Transmission: Modified Viper t-56
Axle/Gears: dana 44, 3.55
agreed, roller rockers are worth every penny when you get a new cam cuz there is a lot less friction. the bigger rockers really dont give very much more lit or duration. i know i was thinking of the same thing, throw a se tof rollers on. but it wouldnt be worth it. ur definatel better off saving you money for an exhaust or some sort of induction mod OR a CAM, which is biggest problem!
Steve
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86 Firebird, LG4, t-tops, 2.73 open rear, SLP 3 inch cat back exhaust, catco cat, Coming mods: Edlebrock 1 5/8's Headers, 2 inch cowl hood with custon alumin cold air box, 3.42 posi disc rear, T56, and hopefully a new set of heads and a nice CAM!

My Webpage- Battle of the birds, My own Thirdgen Page, still under construction, http://www.geocities.com/soares711/index.htm
88 Firebird Formula- deseased 2/9/99- 305 TPI, SLP 3 inch exhaust, SLP Intake runners, SLP cam, 3.45 BW disc brake posi, WS6, NOS, and all that good stuff, 13.8 on the motor, 12.89 on NOS and slicks! Hit by what else!?!? a FORD EXPLORER!!!!!!
Steve
------------------
86 Firebird, LG4, t-tops, 2.73 open rear, SLP 3 inch cat back exhaust, catco cat, Coming mods: Edlebrock 1 5/8's Headers, 2 inch cowl hood with custon alumin cold air box, 3.42 posi disc rear, T56, and hopefully a new set of heads and a nice CAM!

My Webpage- Battle of the birds, My own Thirdgen Page, still under construction, http://www.geocities.com/soares711/index.htm
88 Firebird Formula- deseased 2/9/99- 305 TPI, SLP 3 inch exhaust, SLP Intake runners, SLP cam, 3.45 BW disc brake posi, WS6, NOS, and all that good stuff, 13.8 on the motor, 12.89 on NOS and slicks! Hit by what else!?!? a FORD EXPLORER!!!!!!
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