looking at getting Summit brand 1.6 roller tips, but I cant remeber if I need self-aligning rockers for an '88 305 TPI....

the Summit rockers are not self-aligning...

 

U need self aligning

 

Summit has self-aligning rocker arms, 1.5's and 1.6's.

Jeg's has them too and they are slightly cheaper. Try 555-20140 and 555-20145 here.

 

I was under the impression that the aluminums ones had a pretty short life to them? Any truth to this?

 

I have seen some make it as many as 40k on the street and alot of it depends on how big the lift is and how hight your going to rev it to, but if your going to use them in a steet car I would go for the COMP MAGNUM PRO ROCKERS, they are rebuildable and the trunion really spreads the forces out, and they are actually lighter on the ends than the aluminums. I know they are alot more money, but I would not want to skimp on such an important valve trane component. Plus they have a lifetime warranty against breakage, I dont know if you can ask for any better than that..

 

how bout the C.A.T. stainless roller rockers from Pace Performance? $165 for self-aligners...

 

I can only find these extruded aluminum ones at $151.20, http://www.paceperformance.com/index...&ProdID=136981.

The SS ones are not listed for self-aligning applications and cost $184.80. Here's a link, http://www.paceperformance.com/index...&ProdID=137024.

Have you used either of them?

 

How about an '86 tpi, does it need self aligning rockers?? This is the first I ve heard of this.

 

I would go with the comp pro mags. I have them and the GF has them. VERY nice piece.