C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Roller Rockers

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Old Mar 23, 2005 | 12:39 PM
  #1  
W426HEMI's Avatar
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Default Roller Rockers

anyone know how mutch of a performance gain can be had
switching to roller rockers ?. how hard are they to install ?.
what brand are the best to buy ?. any ideas please
1986 L98 tpi

Last edited by W426HEMI; Mar 23, 2005 at 02:10 PM. Reason: did not include engine
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Old Mar 23, 2005 | 01:29 PM
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If you stick with the stock ratio, the power gains, if any will be totally unnoticeable. It's a good Saturday afternoon project.

RACE ON!!!
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Old Mar 23, 2005 | 02:39 PM
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I suggest you consider roller tip rockers instead of full roller (roller fulcrum and tip). Full roller rockers are not the best for a street engine as they tend not to be as durable over high mileage. Roller tips ,on the other hand , can add significantly to the life of the valve guides since they virtually eliminate the typical side loading of the valve stem as it cycles up and down the guide.
You will not see a noticable gain in power with either full roller rockers or roller tips at the standard 1.5 ratio. You may want to try 1.6 ratio especially on the intake. the 1.6 ratio wil not only increase lift but also slightly increase duration.
While you are in the valves , it's a good idea to change the seals.
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Old Mar 23, 2005 | 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by dwestsr
Full roller rockers are not the best for a street engine as they tend not to be as durable over high mileage.
That pertains to aluminum rockers. Stainless Steel ones are quite a bit more durable and also re-buildable.
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Old Mar 23, 2005 | 06:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Dominic Sorresso
That pertains to aluminum rockers. Stainless Steel ones are quite a bit more durable and also re-buildable.
I agree.
My Crower Stainless Steel ones have over 30K on them.
I took them out to inspect them and they look like new -- bearings are tight.

And, they can be rebuilt.

Tom Piper
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Old Mar 23, 2005 | 07:28 PM
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THANKS,
i just heard this was one of the improvements that could
be done for more power, but i guess it will not be noticable
for stock engine
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Old Mar 23, 2005 | 07:43 PM
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Originally Posted by W426HEMI
THANKS,
i just heard this was one of the improvements that could
be done for more power, but i guess it will not be noticable
for stock engine
I'd go for it. Put some 1.6ers on there. Reportedly good for 10-15hp. Good mod for an L98. Work on the intake and exhaust system next
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Old Mar 23, 2005 | 07:45 PM
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The 1.5:1 RRs should give about a 10chp gain and 1.6:1 a 15chp gain.

If you have iron heads you may need to have the heads machined to install 1.6s; with Al heads you can go to 1.6s with no worry.
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Old Mar 24, 2005 | 06:24 AM
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On a stock engine, I wonder about the need.
But, as the valve springs get stronger on a modified head, I think there are some advantages.

Tom Piper
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Old Mar 31, 2005 | 10:23 AM
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I did the 1.6 rockers on my "stock" 84 Xfire a number of years ago. It helped along the lines of about 10-12hp. I tried a 1.6I/1.5E combination and liked that quite a bit too.
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