I've heard many opinions on what all needs to be changed when upgrading to 1.6 roller rockers (push rods, guide plates).
I want to put in new valve springs as well but I'm not sure whether the stock rockers are self aligning or not.
What exactly is needed to do this upgrade?
Thanks

Bob

 

Depending on which cam profile you have depends on springs, I have the zz4 cam with stock length welded tip pushrods, raised guide plates and larger springs, I also had to have my springs seats machined down to allow for the extra lift without binding the spring, It is a good idea to change the springs with just about any cam if you have a higher mileage motor since they are prone to weaken over time

 

This is going on a stock cam motor. The valve springs will be changed regardless as there is 100,000 miles on them.

Bob

 

I use comp cams pro mag self aligning 1.6 rockers. All I needed were taller valve covers - which interfered with my smog tubes (you might have to bend or cut them). Nothing else was nessecary. between the rockers and the Edelbrock base, runners, and ported plenum I gained .4 and 4 mph in the 1/4.

 

Mello, did you do anything else at the time like replace valve springs? I want to replace mine anyway because I think they have weakened but it would be nice if that's all I needed along with the rockers.

I've also heard that you can use the stock valve covers but they need to be modified a bit (with a die grinder) but no big deal.

Bob

 

Crane Gold Race roller rockers will fit, under the stock valve covers, and work with your stock springs in 1.6 ratio. I did this when my L98 was totally stock.

The factory roller cam engines use self-aligning rocker arms. That is what you want to buy. Only the Crane's will work under the stock valve covers without modification. Any others, I don't think so. Reason is cuz Crane makes 'em narrow on purpose. Others are too wide.

 

Tom, did you notice a big improvement with the 1.6's? Did you feel it was worth while? Do you know what the lift of the stock L98 cam is?

Bob

 

I noticed an improvement, and on the strip it made a difference but I can't recall exactly what it was. Maybe a tenth or two.

It was worth it to me, because it was just part of a continuing program of evolution of performance. I just keep adding more things as time goes by.

I can't recall the lift of the L98 cam but I'm sure it's posted somewhere. I think it is in the range of .434" or something like that.