Roller Rockers
#1
Roller Rockers
I'm getting a crate L98 for my car soon. I don't want big power, but I want to keep it pretty close to stock. So far i'll be running a custom tune, AS&M runners, edlebrock base (all port matched), stock throttle body, and Dyno Don headers with a dual cat exhaust. Would 1.6 ratio roller rockers add anything to this set up? Would they interfere with anything? I've heard they are noisier and can lead to false knock.
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Car: 90 IROC 2-92 Zs blk vert & prpl
Engine: stealth ram brodix track 1 ful port
Transmission: 700r4 4l80e
Axle/Gears: iroc 375 lokr 92 Z 277 pos vert 327
Re: Roller Rockers
They make self aligning rockers that fit under stock valve covers, they are narrower. If you are going stock but want all the stock you can get then look at 1.6 rockers and a zz4 cam. You can install a zz4 cam and it will run fine on a stock chip with no tuning. I ran one for years in my 89 350 iroc and it would out run an lt1 car. Thats what I am putting in my vert is a 350 with steel gm 1pc crank, 6 inch H beam rods with forged Mahle pistons (slightly dished) balanced. Probably going to get the ported pro comps.
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Car: 91' Firebird SOLD
Engine: 350 TPI +bolt-ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Roller Rockers
They make self aligning rockers that fit under stock valve covers, they are narrower. If you are going stock but want all the stock you can get then look at 1.6 rockers and a zz4 cam. You can install a zz4 cam and it will run fine on a stock chip with no tuning. I ran one for years in my 89 350 iroc and it would out run an lt1 car. Thats what I am putting in my vert is a 350 with steel gm 1pc crank, 6 inch H beam rods with forged Mahle pistons (slightly dished) balanced. Probably going to get the ported pro comps.
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Roller Rockers
Where are you getting the crate motor? I have an L98 in my 91Z that is getting tired. Trying to figure out if I should do the valve seals-they are leaking- or pull the whole motor...
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Car: 91' Firebird SOLD
Engine: 350 TPI +bolt-ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Roller Rockers
1.6 rockers only work w/ stock cam specs, add a big cam and u better beef up the springs
Last edited by ninetyone; 10-25-2012 at 04:35 PM.
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#8
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Re: Roller Rockers
All I gotta say is if your gonna get roller rockers, you still have to fix the geometry or you will destroy your engine if the valve train fails. ALso you need narrow body roller rockers or the stock stud guides on the valve cover will hit the rr and the valve cover will not mount flush. best narrow body rr are the CompCams self aligning Magnum RR's.... Picture of the magnums are below...
Another narrow body rr is the Scorpion RR below......
Not EVERYBODY will tell you about the "geometry" of the valve train. So if you wanna learn more about fixing the "geometry" of the valvetrain, here is the link.
http://www.compcams.com/Products/CC-...rods%27-0.aspx
http://www.pontiacstreetperformance....traingeom.html
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...h/viewall.html
Another narrow body rr is the Scorpion RR below......
Not EVERYBODY will tell you about the "geometry" of the valve train. So if you wanna learn more about fixing the "geometry" of the valvetrain, here is the link.
http://www.compcams.com/Products/CC-...rods%27-0.aspx
http://www.pontiacstreetperformance....traingeom.html
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...h/viewall.html
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Car: 89 Corvette
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Originally Posted by actarnoff
I'm getting a crate L98 for my car soon. I don't want big power, but I want to keep it pretty close to stock. So far i'll be running a custom tune, AS&M runners, edlebrock base (all port matched), stock throttle body, and Dyno Don headers with a dual cat exhaust. Would 1.6 ratio roller rockers add anything to this set up? Would they interfere with anything? I've heard they are noisier and can lead to false knock.
I'm selling a set of Comp Cams Hi-tec stainless 1.6 RR right now on corvetteforum. I'm new here so I don't have my privileges to sell yet. let me know if your interested
Posted from Thirdgen.org App for Android
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Roller Rockers
Not to hijack the thread, but I HAVE to do the seals: it smokes A LOT on startup and I am oiling at least 2 plugs and dropping cylinders.
While I am doing it, given that the engine is bone stock, is replacing the springs and upgrading rockers worth the expense- what type do you guys recommend and why? I would be happy to get back the horsepower that 21 years of driving and 194,000 miles have robbed from her!
While I am doing it, given that the engine is bone stock, is replacing the springs and upgrading rockers worth the expense- what type do you guys recommend and why? I would be happy to get back the horsepower that 21 years of driving and 194,000 miles have robbed from her!
#13
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Re: Roller Rockers
Not to hijack the thread, but I HAVE to do the seals: it smokes A LOT on startup and I am oiling at least 2 plugs and dropping cylinders.
While I am doing it, given that the engine is bone stock, is replacing the springs and upgrading rockers worth the expense- what type do you guys recommend and why? I would be happy to get back the horsepower that 21 years of driving and 194,000 miles have robbed from her!
While I am doing it, given that the engine is bone stock, is replacing the springs and upgrading rockers worth the expense- what type do you guys recommend and why? I would be happy to get back the horsepower that 21 years of driving and 194,000 miles have robbed from her!
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Car: 82 Z28
Engine: 383 SP EFI/ 4150 TB
Transmission: T400
Axle/Gears: QP 9" 3.73
Re: Roller Rockers
Going to want a good TPI setup to use /need .544 lift on the exh ( ZZ4 exh = .510 lift w/ 1.5's ) as well as some good valve springs.
The GMPP ZZ4/LT4 springs that go with the cam are good for .525
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Car: 91' Firebird SOLD
Engine: 350 TPI +bolt-ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Roller Rockers
Not to hijack the thread, but I HAVE to do the seals: it smokes A LOT on startup and I am oiling at least 2 plugs and dropping cylinders.
While I am doing it, given that the engine is bone stock, is replacing the springs and upgrading rockers worth the expense- what type do you guys recommend and why? I would be happy to get back the horsepower that 21 years of driving and 194,000 miles have robbed from her!
While I am doing it, given that the engine is bone stock, is replacing the springs and upgrading rockers worth the expense- what type do you guys recommend and why? I would be happy to get back the horsepower that 21 years of driving and 194,000 miles have robbed from her!
#16
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Car: 82 Z28
Engine: 383 SP EFI/ 4150 TB
Transmission: T400
Axle/Gears: QP 9" 3.73
Re: Roller Rockers
@ 200K your rings are probably on the way out ( if not already gone on the cylinders with oily plugs ) and the majority of the oil in the cylinder is coming up past the rings;
not down from the valve seals
Once you loose the piston ring seal you loose compression so you are then down on horse power and it just slowly gets worse until the engine dies
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Roller Rockers
I dissagree: these engines are notorious for leaking valve seals. If I was getting oil blowby, I would be burning it while the engine is running. I only get oil smoke on startup, not while it is running. Also, the plugs show wet oil coating if they are pulled after letting it sit and cool. That oil is coming down, not up...
#18
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Re: Roller Rockers
I dissagree: these engines are notorious for leaking valve seals. If I was getting oil blowby, I would be burning it while the engine is running. I only get oil smoke on startup, not while it is running. Also, the plugs show wet oil coating if they are pulled after letting it sit and cool. That oil is coming down, not up...
#19
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Car: 82 Z28
Engine: 383 SP EFI/ 4150 TB
Transmission: T400
Axle/Gears: QP 9" 3.73
Re: Roller Rockers
Is asking a bit much for them to still perform as new
Especially given your engine is 20 years old and has 200K on the clock , possibly will the valve seals it originally left the factory with
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Car: 92 camaro rs
Engine: 3.4v6 sc
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.73s
Re: Roller Rockers
i would take vettoz words so far hi has not pointed me wrong this guy gets my a++++
hope you ok with me saying something vettoz
hope you ok with me saying something vettoz
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Car: 91' Firebird SOLD
Engine: 350 TPI +bolt-ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Roller Rockers
I dissagree: these engines are notorious for leaking valve seals. If I was getting oil blowby, I would be burning it while the engine is running. I only get oil smoke on startup, not while it is running. Also, the plugs show wet oil coating if they are pulled after letting it sit and cool. That oil is coming down, not up...
#27
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Re: Roller Rockers
So there is zero benefit? Even just to free up friction in the valve train?
....now the fact that you're adding rollers and roller tips certainly helps. Also, stamped stock rockers can flex as much as .2" so a good quality set of rockers is a great addition. .....but pick your ratio and cam first. Then buy a good set of whatever ratio rockers you determined you needed. Anything you can buy in 1.6, you can buy in 1.5.
#28
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Re: Roller Rockers
As for your combo, if you're limited on cash, get your motor in, as close to stock as you can, (exhaust is still a must-do however) and put the money into a torque converter. If you're running stock L98 heads, no cam, and no intake will come close to what you'll feel from a better converter.
.......but speaking just about the engine, assuming you're keeping the heads stock, a cam similar to the zz4 cam would certainly help. There are several good cams with similar specs. My zz4 cam passed (barely) in NC. I doubt it would pass CA. ...I did run a stock tune at the time (on a stock 89/MAF set up). You'll want the LT4 or comparable springs, and screw in studs too, although so far I've survived with press-ins. With that pretty mild set up, a good set of low cost (not cheap) roller tip rockers would be plenty. Remember, there are TONS of multi-hundred thousand mile small blocks still running stock stamped rockers. If ya spend 6 grand on a motor, what's a couple hundred more for full rollers. If you're just putting a stock replacement back in, ya gotta ask where's your money gonna get you the most return.
.......but speaking just about the engine, assuming you're keeping the heads stock, a cam similar to the zz4 cam would certainly help. There are several good cams with similar specs. My zz4 cam passed (barely) in NC. I doubt it would pass CA. ...I did run a stock tune at the time (on a stock 89/MAF set up). You'll want the LT4 or comparable springs, and screw in studs too, although so far I've survived with press-ins. With that pretty mild set up, a good set of low cost (not cheap) roller tip rockers would be plenty. Remember, there are TONS of multi-hundred thousand mile small blocks still running stock stamped rockers. If ya spend 6 grand on a motor, what's a couple hundred more for full rollers. If you're just putting a stock replacement back in, ya gotta ask where's your money gonna get you the most return.
#29
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Roller Rockers
Whatever. Seriously? 'Is this the 5 minute arguement, or the full half hour?' I am not looking for a fight- just the input of someone with no axe to grind. Correct the following if I have it wrong:
1) Gen 1 SBCs are prone to valve seal failure over time.
2) if it blows oil smoke on startup, the consensus in the SBC community is 'valve seals'.
3) if it blows oil consistently during operation, it could be rings.
4) if it fails a 'leak down test' it could be rings.
Mine a) blows smoke on start up, b) doesn't blow oil smoke during regular operation, c) is fouling plugs with what looks like oil, d) I am getting a 'code 43':
Do you think if the valve seals are leaking, it will cause the computer to show a 'code 43'?
Don't think that is too hard a question... 'yes', 'no', or 'I don't know'.
1) Gen 1 SBCs are prone to valve seal failure over time.
2) if it blows oil smoke on startup, the consensus in the SBC community is 'valve seals'.
3) if it blows oil consistently during operation, it could be rings.
4) if it fails a 'leak down test' it could be rings.
Mine a) blows smoke on start up, b) doesn't blow oil smoke during regular operation, c) is fouling plugs with what looks like oil, d) I am getting a 'code 43':
Do you think if the valve seals are leaking, it will cause the computer to show a 'code 43'?
Don't think that is too hard a question... 'yes', 'no', or 'I don't know'.
#30
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Car: 91' Firebird SOLD
Engine: 350 TPI +bolt-ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Roller Rockers
Whatever. Seriously? 'Is this the 5 minute arguement, or the full half hour?' I am not looking for a fight- just the input of someone with no axe to grind. Correct the following if I have it wrong:
1) Gen 1 SBCs are prone to valve seal failure over time.
2) if it blows oil smoke on startup, the consensus in the SBC community is 'valve seals'.
3) if it blows oil consistently during operation, it could be rings.
4) if it fails a 'leak down test' it could be rings.
Mine a) blows smoke on start up, b) doesn't blow oil smoke during regular operation, c) is fouling plugs with what looks like oil, d) I am getting a 'code 43':
Do you think if the valve seals are leaking, it will cause the computer to show a 'code 43'?
Don't think that is too hard a question... 'yes', 'no', or 'I don't know'.
1) Gen 1 SBCs are prone to valve seal failure over time.
2) if it blows oil smoke on startup, the consensus in the SBC community is 'valve seals'.
3) if it blows oil consistently during operation, it could be rings.
4) if it fails a 'leak down test' it could be rings.
Mine a) blows smoke on start up, b) doesn't blow oil smoke during regular operation, c) is fouling plugs with what looks like oil, d) I am getting a 'code 43':
Do you think if the valve seals are leaking, it will cause the computer to show a 'code 43'?
Don't think that is too hard a question... 'yes', 'no', or 'I don't know'.
#34
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Car: 91' Firebird SOLD
Engine: 350 TPI +bolt-ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Roller Rockers
You can test if it is working too ,by tapping softly with a wrench near the sensor. It should retard the timing. You will need to reconnect it first tho.
Last edited by ninetyone; 10-30-2012 at 08:06 PM.
#36
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Re: Roller Rockers
these engines are notorious for leaking valve seals.
you will gain a few hp, and the exhaust note will be a bit more throaty due to the increased lift. Your engine will probably last longer too.
If your going to remove all the stock rockers ANYWAY,..... install some RR's while your in there. I always add 1.6 rockers to every head I have to tear down when keeping a stock Cam. 1.6 opens the valve a bit more, reduce friction/heat & add a few ponies for cheap $$.
http://www.ehow.com/list_6730063_ben...-rockers_.html
,....... The Corvette Club Grand Sport Registry ran unbiased side-by-side comparisons of a Chevrolet LT1 and LT4 engine. Even though both engines have the same 350-cubic-inch displacement, the LT4 produces more horsepower. Grand Sport Registry attributes part of the increased horsepower to roller rockers. By reducing friction in the LT4 over the conventional rocker arms used in the LT1, more horsepower is available to the wheels. Furthermore, Grand Sport Registry took both engines apart, and discovered galling (direct metal-to-metal contact caused by oil starvation) on the conventional rocker arms.
#37
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Roller Rockers
Thanks guys! Added a new pigtail, connected it to the sensor, cleared the code and now it runs like it is supposed to! Seals are next!
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Car: 1991 Christine Z28
Engine: RV Cam and Intake 350 SBC
Transmission: 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08 ls Posi
Re: Roller Rockers
Whatever. Seriously? 'Is this the 5 minute arguement, or the full half hour?' I am not looking for a fight- just the input of someone with no axe to grind. Correct the following if I have it wrong:
1) Gen 1 SBCs are prone to valve seal failure over time.
2) if it blows oil smoke on startup, the consensus in the SBC community is 'valve seals'.
3) if it blows oil consistently during operation, it could be rings.
4) if it fails a 'leak down test' it could be rings.
Mine a) blows smoke on start up, b) doesn't blow oil smoke during regular operation, c) is fouling plugs with what looks like oil, d) I am getting a 'code 43':
Do you think if the valve seals are leaking, it will cause the computer to show a 'code 43'?
Don't think that is too hard a question... 'yes', 'no', or 'I don't know'.
1) Gen 1 SBCs are prone to valve seal failure over time.
2) if it blows oil smoke on startup, the consensus in the SBC community is 'valve seals'.
3) if it blows oil consistently during operation, it could be rings.
4) if it fails a 'leak down test' it could be rings.
Mine a) blows smoke on start up, b) doesn't blow oil smoke during regular operation, c) is fouling plugs with what looks like oil, d) I am getting a 'code 43':
Do you think if the valve seals are leaking, it will cause the computer to show a 'code 43'?
Don't think that is too hard a question... 'yes', 'no', or 'I don't know'.
Last edited by Dakota W.; 10-31-2012 at 05:28 AM.
#39
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Re: Roller Rockers
Grand Sport Registry attributes part of the increased horsepower to roller rockers
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