DADDY D

i am looking to buy a set of 1.6 roller rockers. i have an 86 L98 with aluminum heads angle plugs, do i need self aligning rockers or just the regular rockers. these heads are stock they just been ported and polished.

also i have heard about just spiliting the rockers what is the advantages and disadvantages of that

65Z01

Since you have done heads you might benefit from upgrading to 7/16" studs in which case the 1.6:1 ProMagnums will need hardened pushrods and guide plates. Also, Ti retainers with 10deg locks will lighten up the valve train so you can raise shift points without valve float.

You could go with the self-aligning 1.6:1 ProMagnums for 3/8" (stock) studs but should still install new pushrods and machined locks along with new valve springs (and seals).

I got all the valve train parts directly from Comp Cams, except the valve seals which came from my local Chevy dealer.

For your Al heads don't split the RRs. I have 1.6:1 ProMagnums on intake and exhaust with a very smooth idle. TPIS found that splitting the rockers on an '85 Vette with iron heads smoothed out the idle.

DADDY D

do i need self aligning or not, my springs and seals in my heads are only about two years old do i still need to change all that when i go to 1.6 RRS

scorp508

Self aligning are not as good and cause more friction robbing you of HP.

DADDY D

so does that mean that i don't need self aligning ones and the regualar RRS will fit i heard that with my heads i have to get self aligning but i also heard that i didn't so which is it

scorp508

You have the 86 aluminum head, the same head that came with my '87. I would get the non-self aligning and also pick up a set of heat treated pushrods and guideplates. They will work out much better.

DADDY D

have you ever heard of proform RRs are they any good

SPD DMN

They are cheap. I have read a couple people using them. You get what you pay for IMO though. I would look to the Crane Gold, GM 1.6 GMPP rockers, or the Pro Magnum Comps. I run the Pro Magnum comps as they are stronger than the aluminum rockers.

If you want to use the stock guides and pushrods, stick with the self aligning 3/8" 1.6 rockers. If you want to upgrade, buy a set of guide plates, hardened pushrods, 7/16 ARP rocker studs and go for the 7/16 Pro Magnum 1.6 rockers.

65Z01

You don't "need" self-aligning; they are one option of the two basic choices.

You likely don't need new seals but if you installed stock springs I'd either go with a little stronger single spring or shim them for a little more seat pressure and so open pressure. The idea is to use a little pressure as needed to control the valve so that the lifter and pushrod follows the cam.

My stock seat pressure was only about 80lbs; I raised it to about 95lbs. Of course my old springs were original so I installed new springs and shims.

88_vette

ONe more note before you get to deep into this little thing. The promags will not fit under your center bolt valve covers without a little moding first. Everyones car is different. So the amount of moding is different. I had to grind out the support between the post, and double gasket the covers to make room. I also went with the 7/16 setup. They are bigger causing a little more of an issue. Sounds liek the stock 1.6 rockers that came on a 96 GS would be your best bet.