What power difference is there between the 1.6 Ratio Stamped Steel Rocker Arms (self-align on both)and the 1.6 Aluminum Roller Rockers when using synthetic motor oil? The reason I asked is -how can I justify spending $200-$300 for the 1.6 Aluminum Roller Rockers when the 1.6 Ratio Stamped Steel Rocker Arms self-aligning type are only $107?

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89 IROC-Z 5.7L
130,000 MILES
2.77 GEARS
K&Ns FILTERS
ALL FREE MODS
FLOWMASTER MUFFLER
PERFORMANCE RESOURCE CHIP
Best 1/4 E.T. 14.37 @ 95 MPH
Best 1/8 E.T. 9.22 @ 76 MPH
Best 60ft. 2.07

 

White,

The roller tip reduces most of the friction created at the rocker. Using synthetic oil with anti-gall rocker pivot ***** is almost as good as fully rollerized rockers. Rollerized rockers will provide the lowest possible friction, but the difference may only net you a few HP over the roller-tipped rockers. The stamped rockers will also generate a bit more frictional heat, but the synthetic engine oil will reduce that to a minimum as well.

The other difference is the stiffness of the rockers. Many aluminum rockers are designed to provide very stiff frames at very exact ratios (almost as good as forged steel roller rockers). Some stamped steel rockers have variability in the ratio and some flex in the sides, allowing less than perfect lift. If you are considering spending the money for aluminum rockers, spend a only few dollars more (literally) and get forged steel rockers. They are a lot stonger, more accurate, and stiffer than aluminum and are usually actually LIGHTER in reciprocating mass.

Many aftermarket stamped steel rockers are heavier and stronger than their stock coumterparts, so there will likely be an improvement either way.

If these rockers are going on a daily driver that isn't designed to operate at over 6,000 RPM and above 400HP, the cost differential is difficult to justify.

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Later,
Vader
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"Let the bodies hit the floor!"
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