Roller Rockers

[C4ME]

I am interested in purchasing some full Roller rockers and would be interested in some opinions of either buying stainless steel for strength or aluminum for weight/price. I have a stock L98 with Al heads and think it is a kinda cheap true bolt on performance enhancer based on my research. Just the truing of the lift ration vs the stock stamped is apparently worth buying cheaper roller tipped only (Vette mag I believe did the testing). The only thing I did not find is a pros & cons of this steel vs Al.m My motor is not modified and do not plan to race, just like the idea of adding a little technology to improve the valve train.

Anyone?

 

[motorman]

I am interested in purchasing some full Roller rockers and would be interested in some opinions of either buying stainless steel for strength or aluminum for weight/price. I have a stock L98 with Al heads and think it is a kinda cheap true bolt on performance enhancer based on my research. Just the truing of the lift ration vs the stock stamped is apparently worth buying cheaper roller tipped only (Vette mag I believe did the testing). The only thing I did not find is a pros & cons of this steel vs Al.m My motor is not modified and do not plan to race, just like the idea of adding a little technology to improve the valve train.

Anyone?

american made aluminum are OK but i would be careful about ones from offshore because those little needles play hell if they get loose in the engine.the biggest change you will see is a reduction in oil temp of 10/15 degrees

 

[Vettefan87]

I put Harland Sharp ones on my vette, they are about 200 from summit. They haven't given me a problem, and I've had them on for about 3000 miles or so.

 

[Moonunit 451]

I used CompCam Promags, I think they were a little more. They are steel.

 

[Edmond]

Make sure to get the 1.6's instead of 1.5's. I personally don't see much purpose in doing all that work for the same amount of lift.

 

[Vettefan87]

Yeah, you just have to file off the oil drip tabs on the valve covers a little for the 1.6's to fit right.

 

[vetteboy86]

If you go 1.6 there will be some work to be done to the valve covers to make them fit, nothing major though just taking off some of the drip edge.

 

[tigmaned]

did you see any power diff with the 1.6 roller rockers?? and the 1.6 ones, what if i all ready have after market edelbrock value covers, no mods to them i am thinking?

 

[Edmond]

You'll have to get in touch with Edelbrock to see if they'll clear the 1.6 roller rockers without any modifications.

You should see a few HP increase and reduction in friction. The Harland Sharps are also recommended by a few other members here so they're a good product. Definitely worth $200, IMO.

 

[C4ME]

Make sure to get the 1.6's instead of 1.5's. I personally don't see much purpose in doing all that work for the same amount of lift.

I have done some reading lately and there seems to be some deceases that can occur in a change to a higher lift. Check out this article for the specifics that I don't remember. http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/0204vet_rockers/

I was thinking the 1.6's would be cool as well until I read this article and now I am thinking just a decent set of either steel or aluminium (leaning toward aluminium) as there seems to be gain for just having a more precise ratio set of rocker arms (stocks are a little sloppy) to produce better tolerance and more HP. Seems this is a reasonable weekend project that will cost $150 to $250 depending on what you buy and actually produce some ponies without sacraficing some trade off in torque/hp at the low/top end.

Joe

 

[C4ME]

By the by, thank you all for your comments. I will weigh all information before dropping the cash.


Joe

 

[Mart86&04]

I put on a set of 1.6 's all around I have an eary 86 with al. heads. I dont remember what kind they are I got them from Ecklers ( probably ripped off) I thought it was a good mod. My brother with an 87 put 1.5 intake 1.6 exhaust ( or vs. versa) we did this several years ago. 1.6 's all around were supposed to give a "lumpy" idle I did not Feel it. Did feel nice smooth Acceleration & like you stated less valve train friction.

 

[C4ME]

I put on a set of 1.6 's all around I have an eary 86 with al. heads. I dont remember what kind they are I got them from Ecklers ( probably ripped off) I thought it was a good mod. My brother with an 87 put 1.5 intake 1.6 exhaust ( or vs. versa) we did this several years ago. 1.6 's all around were supposed to give a "lumpy" idle I did not Feel it. Did feel nice smooth Acceleration & like you stated less valve train friction.

SOOOOO, Did ya beat him off the line? Let's face it when you and a brother are doing mods there is a little sibling motivation!

Seriously, do you recall the performance of your brother's car? I was considering the mixed bag idea. I can not remember either as to which get the 1.6 & which get the 1.5.

Thanks for this reply.
Joe

 

[Mart86&04]

My brother is on vacation now, I think later this week 8-5-05 I can get what he put in and track info. He got into drag (racing that is),I had to work so we never even raced but one time. I did 14.01 @ 100.3 He was 13.97 @ 98.6. Since that he's gotten better around 13.5 with drag radials