i have a pontaic 350 5.7 in my GTA. I know if i replaced my rocker arms with a 1.6 ratio, it would give me more lift and a few extra horsies at the wheels. Question is, i was wondering if anyone had a specific brand in mine that holds up well. I read on a few forums here that some would get really hot and burn up - dont know how - but thats what i read. I will be replacing pushrods and rocker arms so if anyone knows of any i should get fill me in. Also, im not sure of my size 3/8 or 5/16??? aligning or self aligning? will i need guideplates?? etc. this is a daily driver car and dont really want to rip apart, measure, put back together and do it again when you guys can just help me. thanks. look forward to a reply

 

Comp Magnum roller tip or Pro Magnum rockers, depending on how much you want to put into them. You will need self aligning, unless you want to convert to the screw in stud/guide plate setup, which would allow you to run the non-self aligning design (pre-87). For the Magnum arms, it is about $190 and the Pro Mags, about $125 more.

Both are steel, not aluminum. The Magnum arms are a roller tip whereas the Pro Magnums are a full trunion roller design. My suggestion is Magnum arms if you are on a budget or the Pro Mags if you never want to buy another set again. One thing worth noting, there have been some cases that I have seen where the Pro Mags don't clear the factory center bolt valve covers without slight modifications to them. Might want to look up on that and see what's all required.

At Jegs:
<A HREF="http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=21005&prmenbr=361">Magnum roller tip</A>
<A HREF="http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=30667&prmenbr=361">Pro Magnum full rollers</A>
Both of the sets listed above are the self alining version and in 1.6 ratio.

As far as getting hot and "burning up," the only thing close to that that I have heard is the fatigue resistance strength (or lack thereof) of aluminum bodied rockers.

 

One thing to remember when buying parts for it.... it's not a "Pontiac" 350. "Pontiac" motors were discontinued after 81. It's a Chevrolet small block.