rocker arms
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 435
Likes: 83
From: Northern Arkansas
Car: 1982 MSE, 1988 S10 Blazer
Engine: 305 in both!
Transmission: 200c / Th700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:73 / 3.42
Re: rocker arms
There is a little reduced friction by using roller TIP rockers. And even less friction if you move on to a full roller rocker. But that's not why most folks go that route. The REAL benefit is the increased accuracy of a nice set of rocker arms VS the oem stamped steel units. You can really take full advantage of the camshaft profile when ALL your rocker arms are at the correct ratio.
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 17,268
Likes: 169
From: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: rocker arms
For a basic daily driver, the stock, stamped rockers will work fine however, upgrading as mentioned above is well worth it. Stock, stamped steel rockers are not very accurate. You don't need to spend $$$ on high end roller rockers but I also wouldn't recommend going the inexpensive route and buying the cheapest roller rockers you can find.
When buying new rockers make sure they are for the proper stud size. 3/8" is most common for SBC. Do you need self aligning rockers or not? Since you will be buying rockers, might as well bump up the ratio at the same time from the stock 1.5 to 1.6. This will give you slightly more lift. 1.5 and 1.6 rockers are probably close to or are the same price.
When buying new rockers make sure they are for the proper stud size. 3/8" is most common for SBC. Do you need self aligning rockers or not? Since you will be buying rockers, might as well bump up the ratio at the same time from the stock 1.5 to 1.6. This will give you slightly more lift. 1.5 and 1.6 rockers are probably close to or are the same price.
Supreme Member




Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,528
Likes: 240
From: Henrietta NY
Car: 1984 Trans Am L69
Engine: Sniper EFI Powered 355
Transmission: WC T5 w/ Steel Support Plate
Axle/Gears: 3.42 10 Bolt Posi
Re: rocker arms
comp cams high energy RRs are a nice budget option
Re: rocker arms
You people and your exotic alloys, anti-friction stuff, and custom lengths are just complicating things. My rocker arms have lasted a lot longer than the majority of all those "special" types, and are made entirely of wood. Estimating the ratio is a little difficult, however.


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