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

Roller Rocker Question

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Old May 10, 2006 | 11:19 AM
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I was wondering if roller rockers get worn or bad over time? Just wondering if I bought a new or different set over the stock LT4 1.6 roller rockers if it would make a performance difference. How long mileage wise do rockers usually last? I have 122k on my stock engine.

Last edited by Achilleus07; May 10, 2006 at 11:38 AM.
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Old May 10, 2006 | 12:16 PM
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Interesting question, i have Crane Cams 1.6:1s on my 94, they make a bit of a ticking noise, but ive heard others do this too so im not sure if its normal or not....
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Old May 10, 2006 | 12:21 PM
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I have heard here that Roller Rockers will go bad with time. I would figure after 122K I would be planning on replacing the roller rockers, definitly the lifters and go with hardended pushrods for good measure.
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Old May 10, 2006 | 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by VR'92
I have heard here that Roller Rockers will go bad with time. I would figure after 122K I would be planning on replacing the roller rockers, definitly the lifters and go with hardended pushrods for good measure.
As always I can count on you VR to answer my questions . Thanks....Im going to look into all of that. Shouldnt be too much of a hassle. Think I should look at 1.7's instead 1.6's with a hot cam? What brand too should I stick with....Im thinking Crane or Comp.
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Old May 10, 2006 | 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Achilleus07
As always I can count on you VR to answer my questions . Thanks....Im going to look into all of that. Shouldnt be too much of a hassle. Think I should look at 1.7's instead 1.6's with a hot cam? What brand too should I stick with....Im thinking Crane or Comp.


The 1.7s would be a good choice with the Lt-4. Nathan Plemmons is the expert here I would suggest PM or Emailing him. He uses Scorpion 1.7s and a hotcam. If Comp Pro magnums are available in 1.7s here then I'm sure they'd be a good choice too. With head porting and longtubes I think you will make really excellent numbers here.

I did not do lifters when I first installed my roller rockers on my high milage car. I really regret that cause I spent a ton of time trying to figure out why they (the roller rockers) weren't adjusting properly. Turns out it was weak return springs in the lifters. Should have replaced them in the first place. Anyhoo I used comp cams lifters which everyone now says not to use (A whole other can of worms). So the hot replacement part would be the factory GMPP Lt-4 Lifters.
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Old May 10, 2006 | 12:37 PM
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IMO...One of the best choices are the comp cams PRO-MAG rockers.....they're made from chromoly steel which is ofcourse WAY stronger than any of the aluminum type...and because of the materials strength, they were able to remove weight in the important areas, where as the aluminum ones, have to be overly bulky just to have any strength at all..and they still flex too much...the bearings are also larger than many of the others out there....and actually even though their heavier if you were to weigh them on a scale , they are actually lighter at the pivot point VS the aluminum ones ,which is all that matters for a rockers use.....Just some other options, If your gonna spend the cash on a set of new rockers and want the most reliable set-up (by far)you could also pick up a set of GM guideplates, some ARP 7/16 studs, and the NON-SELF ALIGNING rockers.instead of the self aligning style that are much more prone to faliure, especially if your going to mod the motor more in the future and spin some more RPM's out of it.....this would also require hardened pushrods as well if you went that route...

Last edited by 95NOSvette; May 10, 2006 at 12:44 PM.
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Old May 10, 2006 | 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by 95NOSvette
IMO...One of the best choices are the comp cams PRO-MAG rockers.....they're made from chromoly steel which is ofcourse WAY stronger than any of the aluminum type...and because of the materials strength, they were able to remove weight in the important areas, where as the aluminum ones, have to be overly bulky just to have any strength at all..and they still flex too much...the bearings are also larger than many of the others out there....and actually even though their heavier if you were to weigh them on a scale , they are actually lighter at the pivot point VS the aluminum ones ,which is all that matters for a rockers use.....Just some other options, If your gonna spend the cash on a set of new rockers and want the most reliable set-up (by far)you could also pick up a set of GM guideplates, some ARP 7/16 studs, and the NON-SELF ALIGNING rockers.instead of the self aligning style that are much more prone to faliure, especially if your going to mod the motor more in the future and spin some more RPM's out of it.....this would also require hardened pushrods as well if you went that route...


I have run the Comp Pro Magnum roller rockers on my asphalt late model for the last 3 years (same set). I have never had a parts failure with them. IMO they are an excellent piece.

I ran a set of Harland Sharpes one season....one came apart at the roller tip, pushed the spring down instead of the valve (which released the keeper, valve dropped, and then I became the luckiest man alive. Piston slapped the valve pushing it up and bending it. Thankfully the valve stayed up in the head and I had no further damage. This could have destroyed the engine. I will say, the guy form Harland Sharpe was very good to work with. He sent me 2 free rollers free. However, I could not continue running my 20K motor with those rockers...felt like I used all "9 lives" on that one
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