Geared

So I am diving into my project this week. I will be adding an ECS kit planning to run ~4.5-5lbs of boost, supporting bolt ons - headers, exhaust, alky, etc, and reworking my heads (Ferrea Bronze Guides HRB of ~90 per Ferrea - can anyone confirm this? ; Ferrea Hollow Ex Valves, Tumble Polished Stock Intake Valves, and PSI 1511 Springs and Retainers; New Seals; ARP Head Bolts).

One of the shops I got a quote from suggested a Rocker Arm trunion upgrade for $329.00 installed. What does this do, is it necessary? negatives? positives?

thanks,

jb

OnPoint

I think you might hear mixed reviews. For example, Lingenfelter reports they've never failed a set of the trunnion upgrades and use them on their COPO motors that spin to 8k. Katech reports stock rockers seem to work fine. I've seen customer reports of no issues whatsoever with the trunnion upgrade, and have seen at least one photo documented case of them failing.

Thus my take on it is that it generally works its purpose in reliable fashion, may not be necessary, and like any mod, you can find somebody who's had trouble with it.

Geared

thanks. What is it that the upgrade does exactly that is supposed to be >>> over stock?

OnPoint

Generally, I believe it's supposed to make it less likely for the rocker to spit out its needle bearings and fail, as well as being a bit stronger.

But, I'm not an engineer - that's just my understanding. You might give Lingenfelter a call and talk to them as they seem to use them with confidence. And I think they'd be straight with you on whether you actually need them for your particular application.

Unreal

I would skip it unless you have an 07 in the range of bad rockers. Otherwise stock is fine.

Geared

thanks gents.

mine is a 2008. skip it?

Unreal

I would. Seen more upgrades fail than stock. Why spend $300+ for something that at best is as reliable as stock.

zulatr

I did my first trunion bearing upgrade on my LS6. The difference between the stock and the upgraded hardware is significant. When I just went thru my LS7 heads I didn't think twice.

Do you need to do it? no
Is it cheap insurance to be sure you'll never find bearings on your magnetic drain plug? yes

It's not a hard job, kind of therapeutic. I went with the Brian Tooley Racing kit this last time, a little cheaper (way less than what you were quoted, though you're paying shop labor charges), same bearings *** the Comp Cams kit, much more substantial snap rings.

I've done six sets so far, so I guess you can deduce my opinion.