Are roller rockers worth the extra $$

[Shawn's 78]

Hey guys, I'm looking at upgrading my stock cam to a summit k1102 and was thinking of adding summit's steel roller rocker package on my stock heads. Is it worth the added expense? Would I receive any HP gain?

Also, should I keep the stock manifold or switch it out with a performer?

Shawn

 

[WayneLBurnham]

Haven't used 'em yet, but will

Anything you can do to reduce friction (or, should you think of going to aluminum or lightweight steel rockers, reciprocating inertia) anywhere is a good deal. I don't have one of my Summit or Jeg's catalogs handy, but the PAW catalog lists their generic steel rollers at $90 and some aluminums at $150. That doesn't seem like much of a risk. Be aware some don't fit under all valve covers.

Another advantage to these is they are more rigid than the factory stamped ones. Just like good hardened pushrods and rocker arm stud girdles, added rigidity in a valve train is also a good thing.

Matching the intake to the cam you select may be more important than matching the head's intake runner volume. If you read between the lines on Edelbrock's popular Performer and Performer RPM head-cam-intake systems, the heads are in essense the same. The only difference being the Performer heads have provisions for exhaust gas crossover heating. The intakes and cams differ enormously however.

If you have the extra $125-200, I would definitely change intakes. Pick one that matches the RPM range you cam is aimed at. I'd avoid a big single plane type unless you're putting in a monster lift and overlap cam.

Remember too, if you pick a cam with enough lift, or enhance its lift with other than 1.5 ratio rockers, you could overwhelm your stock valve springs. Talk to a tech there about which one you are picking with what you have. It wouldn't be a bad idea to get those springs changed to a nice stiff set anyhow, if they're the originals, or do it yourself if you hate yourself.

If you don't change intakes now, at least it's top end so with a dozen bolts and lots of sealant you can easily later.

One thing you definitely want to change is your timing chain set. Go to a true double roller or gear driven deal (I have to try one of those noisy things!) You might get a cheapy two or three piece timing chain cover kit too so you don't have to disrupt the oil pan again to get to your cam.

Good luck with your cam change. I had great luck with one in an old Mopar a few years ago - a generic house-brand Summit or PAW if I recall. I never could believe such a tiny engine could put out that much power. As soon as I get my overdrive decided on and in, I'll be doing the same.

 

[Jack]

Hey guys, I'm looking at upgrading my stock cam to a summit k1102 and was thinking of adding summit's steel roller rocker package on my stock heads. Is it worth the added expense? Would I receive any HP gain?

Also, should I keep the stock manifold or switch it out with a performer?

Shawn

1102 is a relatively mild cam. Adding RR's with 1102 cam isn't going to increase hp much at all ... probably not enough to notice. The cam will be noticeable but the RR's probably won't be. IMHO, not worth the expense. Similar logic for intake.

BTW unless they're simply roller-tips, you cannot run OE stamped nor L82 cast valve covers.

JACK:gap

 

[Mako]

Installing 1.6:1 ratio rockers in place of the stock stamped steel 1.5:1 will pick up about 10HP or so. This trick effectively "adds" a little more cam to the engine.

One caveat with the high ratio rockers: You need to ensure the valve springs won't bind up. Summit's tec support guys can easily answer that question for you.

I'm a big roller rocker fan, I have them on both of my hot rods and readily recommend them to others looking for a more efficient valve train setup.

CYa!
Mako

 

[MaineShark]

Speaking of roller rockers:
Has anyone here tried the Crane Gold roller rockers? Good quality? Do they fit under the stock valve covers?

I may be able to pick up a set for cheap, if they are going to be worth it...

Joe

 

[Mako]

Speaking of roller rockers:
Has anyone here tried the Crane Gold roller rockers? Good quality? Do they fit under the stock valve covers?

I may be able to pick up a set for cheap, if they are going to be worth it...

Joe

The Crane Gold's are good parts. I and many others have used them succesfully. GM installed them on the LT4 engines from the factory.

Note that there are two flavors: One is self aligning and the other is not. The non-self aligned flavor need guide plates and hardened pushrods.

CYa!
Mako

 

[Shawn's 78]

Mako,
If you go to 1:6:1 rockers, do you stick with stock size pushrods or do go switch them out for others?
Shawn

 

[Ganey]

Shawn

Not in your case. That is not enough cam. Roller tip is all you need & optional, 1.52 max. w/ following cam. Performer 2101 intake or Weiand Action+
If you drive hard, then get Comp Cams 268H, .454/.454 for 350 4spd. & your car will start to run like a CORVETTE.

:cool

 

[Shawn's 78]

So it looks like my money should be spent towards impoving the intake (which I agree - I like the Performer) and maybe taking one step up on the cam to something like comps 268 or summits k1103. Then if I want more umph, install the roller tip rockers for a bit more. If I do that, should I also change out the springs? I usually don't run it much past 4500-5k rpms - so would I be oK?

Shawn

 

[Ganey]

Basically the Summit k1103 is 1 step up over 1102 & Comp Cams HE268H is 2 steps up. Yes, you could go only to Summit k1103 (stock springs are fine) & add roller tip later. That gives more at low rpm & about 20 less HP @ 5000 than 268H.

Still I rec. Comp Cams HE268H as MIN. for 350 4spd.

:cool

 

[Blue82]

I'm running a CompCams XE-262 with the Performer RPM intake on Vortec heads and really like it. Since you hava a 4spd and no ECM you can get away with a 268 and not have to worry about a loose torque converter or vacuum.

I would go with the 268, the intake and definitely get the recommended springs.

 

[Mako]

Mako,
If you go to 1:6:1 rockers, do you stick with stock size pushrods or do go switch them out for others?
Shawn

Use the stock length rods. If your using guide plates, you need to install hardened push rods (of stock length). No need to spend a fortune either, the Summit hardened pushrods are fine for a 6000 RPM red line motor.

If your reusing the existing stock rods, remove each rod from the engine one at a time and roll it on a piece of glass (a picture frame is fine) to detect a bent rod (like a warped pool cue).

Obviously any bent push rods need to be replaced.

Once again: Mind your Ps and Qs on the valve springs when going to a beefier cam and/or 1.6:1 rockers.

CYa!
Allen

 

[Full_Blown]

Roller Rockers and rods

I've got a 76 L82 I'm going to drop into my 79. I pulled the 882 heads yesterday and found that they were 2.02 intakes. I'm pretty sure the rest of the engine was stock for 1976. It's a rebuild with very low mileage on it. I too am consider roller rockers. I have the original aluminium covers but I also have a set of tall Moroso covers that came with the car. I'd like to know my options on the L82. Someone recommended to me installing longer push rods. I understand that the stock cam is a moderate performance cam and I don't mind keeping it. I'm not racing but I'd like it to have a little snot for the street. I'm also planning on installing the Edelbrock Performer intake and the Holley 600 that came with the car. The tranny is going out today for a rebuild and a Transgo shift kit. I'm targeting between 300 and 350 HP. Your experienced input is greatly appreciated.

Steve