I've got my brand new assembled Vortec heads for my L03......B-Body Lt-1cam, Performer Manifold.........

I know I have to get rockers, and probably want to go with 1.6s.

Now should I just stick with Stamped 1.6 long slot self aligning 3/8, and leave well enough alone

or

should I get 1.6 rollers and I guess I would have to get guide plates? Or do they make self aligning roller rockers?

do u need rockers cause u went to the new heads im swapping for 081 heads and thought i could just use the rockers on the swirl ports are the vortecs using different type rockers??

As far as I know, you can use the stock ones with no problems.


I am going to put new parts on, and apparently there is some hp gain to 1.6 rockers.

My car is BIG and HEAVY, so I need everything I can get/afford.

Besides the stock ones are at 181,000 miles

most people say the stamped rockers are the best $ to power ratio, by adding the 1.6 rockers you are increasing your ratio therefore increasing lift which increases your power somewhat because, of the crap cams in these engines.

Anyways i do not beleive you need guideplates i plan on putting 1.6 full rollers in my lo3 over winter and they do make self aligning rockers in a roller design also (i beleive although the 1s i were looking at that were at the time were just roller tip).

I already asked and people said i should be fine to use the stock parts.

You shouldn't need new guideplates or hardened pushrods or anything.

Btw this is only related to my engine so it could be wrong since you went with the vortec heads (good choice).

They make SA roller rockers. Comp has them, and I think they even fit under the newer center bolt valve covers. I wouldnt use any of the aluminum ones. They will eventually fail on a street motor. Also, if the heads are still stock, make sure you dont have over .480" of lift. I think it may even be less for some heads like .460". Too much lift and youll crush the retainers up against the seals.

But the question is....... which one is the best bang for the buck??

Are rollers going to make any more of a difference? Or just cause less friction, extended life??

Obviously stamped are less expensive(Elgin or Sealed Power) so can I save the extra $100 to get other parts?

Rollers are definatly nicer, but as long as the stamped ones are reasonably sturdy, theyll work just as good.

I've been doing some more web surfing about this, and now I find out that the total valve lift recommended is .430.


From another thread on a B-body forum.... Does this mean I need to have the 'spring seat treatment' done?

SDPC says

Anyone know about this?

Don't make this more difficult than it needs to be.

Yes 1.6 rockers will give you more lift and increase airflow at any given point. That's always good.

Normally the increase in cam force against the cam negates durability, but going from the small lift to a not-so-small lift won't effect it enough to worry about.

There are quite a few places that have Self Aligning 1.6 roller tip rockers that work quite well. Comp Cams are probably the most widely known, but there are many others as well.

If it were my engine, I'd just use the stamp rockers with a roller tip. Sure, full rollers would be even less friction to free up more HP, but as someone pointed out they're not really made with durability in mind. That's why you'll see some companies (such as Comp Cams) brag about certain ones they sell that are rebuildable.

As far as the amount of lift the stock springs can handle, that's all you. You have to check for yourself or have someone do it. Only your heads will give you the answer you're looking for.

you need at least .060 clearance between the coils and the retainer/guide(preferrably .100).
i am using the comp roller tip 1.52:1.you can sometimes find them for under $100 on evilbay.
if you go to 1.6:1 expect to need heavier springs to prevent valve float.
Eric B