I Have an 87 corvette, Is installing a set of full roller rockers as easy as I think or should I have a pro do it.The way I see it all I need is a set of tall valve covers and a couple of hours. Can anyone give me some info on this swap?

 

Well I'm not sure about the TPI cars but I know on the LT1 you have to be very careful of your valve springs. You didn't say if you were increasing the ratio or not. If you're going with full roller 1.5 rockers you'll be fine, there might be a few horsepower to be found from reduced friction but not a whole lot. They should also clear your stock valvecovers with a minimum of fuss.

With 1.6 rockers they'll still clear the valve covers and there will be a horsepower gain, but you have to check on your valvesprings. I don't know the specs on the L98 springs but if you run too much lift you can coil bind them which will cost you a ton of money and time. If the engine has a lot of miles on it I would replace the springs anyway, which turns it into a very time consuming and annoying project, allocate the whole day for it. Maybe some of the L98 guys will chime in and let you know if you have to do the springs.

Another issue is actually adjusting the rockers. If you've never done it before be prepared for it to take a while to get it right. Being able to leave enough stuff put together so you can start the car with the valvecovers off helps a lot. This is pretty simple on an LT1, again not so sure about the L98. I wouldn't recommend actually adjusting them while it's running but it's a real pain to put it all back together just to have to take it all apart and tweak the adjustment.

 

You can modify the stock covers and use them. Tall covers have their own problems(wiper motor cover). I switched to LT4 springs since i was in there and also did the valve seals at the same time. No need for a pro if you have adjusted valves before. I found the rollers to be easier than stock. I static adjusted mine on an engine that sat idle for 2 months. I have never had to adjust them again. Get it RIGHT the first time and your off to the races.

 

Hay snakeyes! I have an 87 also. If you've never removed the covers before, your in for some supprises. I had to remove practically all driven accessiories, like altinater, a/c compressor etc. just to get them off. they catch on everything, even thought they look simple to remove. I have no Idea how many miles you have on the car, but to compliment a change to roller rockers (I would go to 1.6 ratio), I would replace the springs and change out the valve oil seals. Just from shear age these items should be shot by now. This could save you lots of problems later. You can get a nice set of GM springs (kit P/N 12495494) from Pase Performance or some other GM Performance Parts Discounter. These springs will accomodate a lift up to .525".

For pictures of modifying the inside of your stock rocker arm covers, go too: (after getting the first one change the end to 2.jpg, then 3.jpg, then 4...[url]http://personal.tmlp.com/scorp/vette/images/parts/vcovers/vctower-1.jpg

 

1) modification of valve covers, remove dip tabs, reduce the metal boxes in width.
2) pro- magum narrow body 1.6, with stock cam about ,478 lift each
3) spring crane 981-16 112lbs seat pressure, locks 601's remove steel caps on old springs( do not reinstall)..while you are here replace valve seals. use air compressor with adapter to hold valves up..( do not use rope)
4) tall cover will not fit correctly
5) adjust zero valve lash then tighten no more then 1/2 turn more. do the adjustment while running and hot

do a search on this topic using korvette4u, i have done this with success and posted it one 1 or more threads.