79MakoL82

Is there a roller rocker that will fit under a standard height valve cover? I have cast aluminum valve covers and I'd like to install roller rockers but I think most if not all require tall covers.

page62

You can use Comp Cams Magnum roller tips...but not full rollers. Have you done some mods to your engine that justifies the use of rollers? Using rollers in a stock (or near-stock) engine will have little benefit...

79MakoL82

This is actually in my Z28 that has a 383 with TFS heads and a 284 cam. I am going to be replacing the valve stem seals and "while I'm at it".

gerry72

I'm running Harland Sharp 1.5 aluminum rollers. Have run them with both the factory steel and the LT-1 aluminum covers. No problems.

Guru_4_hire

The roller tip rockers from a horde of manufacturers sound like what you want.

79MakoL82

Are the Harland Sharp's shorter than others? The engine has the cast aluminum LT-1 style covers on it.

kdlp

Here's another way.... you can get head extentions for about $100 that are made of aluminum and raise your existing valve covers about an inch above standard height. Jegg's and Summit both have them in their catalogs.... as I recall the company that manufactures them is either B & B or B + B. I believe I saw both small block and large block listed.

You'll need longer valve cover studs (ARP) and I was told that valve cover hold downs are a good idea. Oh, and you'll also need an extra pair of gaskets.

Good Luck....

kp

gerry72

My covers are the same finned factory LT-1 covers and do have the factory baffles in them. The HS aluminum roller rockers are the same as all the rest.

79MakoL82

Thanks for the info, but don't know if that will work for me. The engine's in a 3rd gen Z28 and I may have clearance issues on the passenger side with the master cylinder. I'll keep it in mind though.

GrandSportC3

Actually, most roller rockers will fit under standard height valve covers if they don't have baffles.. If you also use stud girdles, you'll need tall covers with no baffles...

79MakoL82

That's the thing Oliver, I do have the baffles in them. Also, I really would prefer not to go to tall covers. I like my LT-1 style covers. I do not have stud girdles but was going to use Arp Perma-lock adjusters. Gerry72 seems to indicate that I can get away with roller rockers with the LT-1 covers.

Solid LT1

I have Comp Cams Pro Magnum full roller rockers on my LT-1 with 0.550 valve lift (net after lash is taken out.) You will have to get rocker arm nuts cut down or run tall gaskets. Take a pair of Channel Locks and gently crush oil baffles for clearance (be CAREFUL when doing this, the baffles are swedged in at the grommet and if your too brutal you will split the retainer seam in this area.) Full roller rockers will fit but, I wouldn't give you 2 cents for a set of aluminum rocker arms for long term street useage (my motor has in excess of 14K miles on it now with no problems-12 second 1/4 mile times and autocross wins.) STAY FAR AWAY from aluminum rockers when the "grenade" it gets UGLY FAST!

79MakoL82

Are these what you are referring to?


http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...=egnsearch.asp

I don't know. Maybe I should just go with the roller tip if they fit instead of cutting down nuts and mashing baffles. I use the Moroso rubber covered steel frame gaskets.

79MakoL82

Is there a significant differance in the roller tips vs full rollers? Are they worth the extra $120?

Also, if I do choose to modify the baffles, but NOT cut the nuts and go with a tall gasket, how thick does it have to be?

American Boy

I have the GM performance parts aluminium 1.5 roller rockers. They fit under my stock 1980 metal valve cover with 0.500 " lift. They have low profile poly lock nut and they are self-aligning (no need for guide plate). They come from the LT4 engine so durability is not an issue. I ran them 20 000 miles with no problem.

Stephan

Here's a pic:

page62

Not until you get over 5000 rpm. So it all depends on what you do with this car...

thebruce

I had to grind down the oil drippers in my L82 covers to get Crane 1.6:1 roller rockers to fit without tapping the valve covers. I took off about 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch, and they don't interfere now.

StickShiftCorvette

I have Lunati full roller rockers under my stock 350/350 aluminum valve covers (1.6 ratio on intakes, 1.5 ratio on exhausts - .560 intake lift - flat tappet solid lifters). I am running Brodix -8 Pro heads.

I did need to use the double thick Fel-Pro gaskets however.

Frank O'Hara

I have Comp Cams Pro Magnum Rockers on my 383. The rockers are not the problem its the retaining nut. I wanted to keep the stock L82 look so I went with the 1" spacer and the ARP studs. The engine hasn't been started yet - but I think it looks good.

79MakoL82

I'm thinking of going with the 1.5 Comp Cams Pro Magnum rollers, but I guess the issue is going to be the nut. Will the Fel Pro double thick gasket fix that problem or do I have to spend the $100 on the spacer? ( ) I really don't know if I can use the spacer with the location of the master cylinder in a Z28 and also the location of the strut tower brace. I'll have to take a closer look this evening. Will I still need to mash the baffles if I use the double thick gasket?

Sorry for seeming so indecisive here, but there are a lot of opinions and variables to consider.