Roller Rockers?

[Aquavet]

Anyone got 'em? Are they hard to install? I've got a stock 94 lt1 and I'm just looking for a few extra reliable horsepower. I figured this might be one route.

Alan

[carboman]

It's not that roller rockers give you that much extra HP since they produce less friction, it's increasing the rocker ratio that adds HP by increasing valve lift. There area many factors to consider, valve to piston clearance, are the springs up to the task, is the $ per HP value good enough to justify going this route. The best use of roller rockers is in conjuction with a new cam with increased lift and duration. Think of the entire valvetrain as a single package. Altering one part of the equation without the others may not be the best way to go.

Do it all,
Cam
Timing chain
Lifters
Pushrods
Springs
Valve retainers
Rockers

And you'll get some great results.

[carboman]

Here's a link on valvetrain upgrades including rockers

http://www.hashmarks.com/techtips/hot_cam.htm


The link below details all the differences in between the LT1 and LT4. Notice the diffence in cam specs, rocker ratio and valvetrain components. That accounts for most of the 30hp difference between the engines and the higher red line.

http://www.grandsportregistry.com/lt1vslt4.htm

[Aquavet]

Hi Carbo,
Thanks for answering the new guy!
I am a member of the CF also and recognize the link to Vader's c4 site. Good stuff huh?! He has a great resource going there. The reason I asked the roller question was that there is an article in March Vette Magazine with a project car and they are modding a 96LT1. I don't have a copy but I just subscribed and I hope they start me out with that issue. One of the guys over on the CF posted a .pdf file of the article but it wasn't very readable. From what I could gather, the project starts out with a plan to mildly mod a 96LT1 and the first step is to throw a set of 1.6 ratio self aligning roller rockers and stiffer springs onto the stock heads. When I was a kid, we used to bolt on anything we could, but never got into the engine itself. So I have no experience with rocker mods or anything deeper. I was hoping someone knew of a tutorial on rocker installs and could point me in a direction. If not, mabey i can partner up with a member who could supervise at a later date. (beer and food provided of course!) I'm sending in my application for the ccdv soon and look forward to the Fun!

[carboman]

The rocker install itself is no big deal but when you get into doing the valve springs and stuff you need to know what your're doing. Best thing in my mind would be to pull the heads for a cleanup and mild porting by a pro and then put everything back together with a new cam and valvetrain.

[Bob Weiss]

Might be a good Idea to go to Comp Cams Web site and get some Clarification. Also, check out Vette Magazine, it had an article on rockers arm I think it was last months Magazine (which is Jan or Feb-2007). Vette Magazine has a web site but I don't remember what it is.

You need to watch out for Coil bind in the stock valve springs when you increase the ratio. which will destroy the cam-lifters-pushrods and rockers. So get it right before you start. Have had roller rockers on various cars over the years going back to the early 70's. I put in a stud Girdle and Locking jam nuts too.

Good Luck.

Bob Weiss

[Plain Insane]

Aquavet: All the advice is good info. Are you staying with the stock heads or going to something like AFR etc.? If you are thinking of changing heads, I have 2 half sets of Harland Sharp roller rockers. They are 1.60 and 1.65. I have those split on my race motor. These are brand new, never used, still in the box. Here is the difference between stock and other heads. The head studs are stock= 3/8", while the AFR heads are 7/16". Any help I can be of, let me know. P.S.: If you want a good head porter, I would recommend Lorenzo's in Hulmeville.He can usually recommend a cam and head package with accurate flow figures depending on what Hp and reliability you want. Also remember that OBD 1 needs to have programming done. Alvin of PCM'S for Less is the go-to guy. He works with Brian Herter. Well that's my 2 cents worth.

[Aquavet]

Hello Bob, thanks for sending me to comp cams. I enjoyed the site! and Like I said in my other post, I'm waiting for my first copy of Vette....Hope it is the rocker build up issue!
PI: Thanks for the offer on help....I'm going to stay with stock heads. I will probably go with a gm hot cam at some point. Just a little kick in the pants and reliability on the street is the goal. This is my first vette (just picked it up in mid December)and its gotta last a few years. Afrs aren't quite in my budget this year guys...but it does sound intresting !!! Have to see how the summer goes. If I can get some Overtime covering vacations, mabey by september, or october when it gets put away for next winter I'll pull the heads. I want to get some seat time in my new toy!!

[carboman]

Alan,

You should come by the meeting this Thursday and check out the club. It's worth joining for the support you'll get and the discount on parts and servcie at Bryner alone. Right around the corner from you at the VE club.

Stop by and meet some of your fellow car nuts.

New guy buys the first round though!

Best regards
Mark

[Aquavet]

I won't be able to make this month. I unfortunately have to work in Trenton 'till 9pm but I'm looking for ward to next month. And you can hold me to the First round!! Sending my application in tonight.

Thanks again,
Alan

[carboman]

I won't be able to make this month. I unfortunately have to work in Trenton 'till 9pm but I'm looking for ward to next month. And you can hold me to the First round!! Sending my application in tonight.

Thanks again,
Alan


Alan,

Welcome aboard!