Roller Rockers
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 589
Likes: 1
From: PA
I think with roller rockers then ya need taller valve covers. Then ya have problems with things like the AC not fitting right because of the taller valve covers. If you want the rollers better ask if they'll clear your stock valve covers before buying. The little bit of HP gained doesn't justify the money spent and the work.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
Why would roller rockers require taller valve covers unless the ratio was raised? Yes full RR's will help. Higher ratio full RR's will help more. Long tube headers will probably help more.
Last edited by BADDUCK; Apr 14, 2009 at 09:20 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,961
Likes: 707
From: WI
Yes, though depending on the rocker you buy you may have to trim the inside of the valve covers. The drip tabs won't be needed with the rollers. It's not that hard to do and if you have stock valve cover gaskets change them out. Mine leaked terribly!
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,939
Likes: 1
From: Vero Beach Florida
Should be no trouble if your going with same ratio as stock 1.5, if you go to 1.6 removing drip tabs is needed from what I understand.
I have a question is there a bigger benefit on a stock motor from using a full roller 1.6 to a roller tip 1.6?
Last edited by floridamale; Apr 14, 2009 at 09:49 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,961
Likes: 707
From: WI
Edit, here's an article that may help:
http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/vemp_07...rms/index.html
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: Troy Illinois
According to TPIS Insider Hints Full Roller Rockers (1.5) on a stock 1985 Corvette added 13.7 Lb Ft @ 4250 RPM and 12 HP @ 4750 RPM. 1.6 Intake and 1.5 Exhaust improved performance to 16.5 Lb FT @ 4250 RPM and 13.3 HP @ 4250. I am installing 1.5 full roller rockers as my next project on my 1985.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Overland Park Kansas
Wow!!
Man am I glad I joined this site!! You guys are a great help. I have already purchased the taller valve covers just incase I need the room and to make things look better under the hood. I was going to go 1.6 all the way around but it sounds like I should go 1.5 and 1.6 according to some of you.
I also called Summit about some headers and exhaust. Can you believe that they had nothing I could use without fabrication? Any help in this area would be appreciated. I live in Kansas and I will NOT put a Cat. Converter back on.
I also called Summit about some headers and exhaust. Can you believe that they had nothing I could use without fabrication? Any help in this area would be appreciated. I live in Kansas and I will NOT put a Cat. Converter back on.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Overland Park Kansas
Thanks for the feed back. I'll be doing the headers as well when you guys tell me which ones to get lol. Thank God for tax refund money lol.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
If you need to pass SMOG you will want headers with EGR. A lot of people like Hedman Elite. Some like Hookers. Look at Summit Auto web site. Do some research. I would just do the 1.6 RR's all around.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Overland Park Kansas
I don't need anything SMOG related in Kansas and I called Summit and they were no help with headers and exhaust combo.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: Troy Illinois
I only know of two companies that offer headers that are bolt on for my 1985. Stainless Works and TPIS. They both offer the front "Y" pipe you need. Stainless works says some fabrication may be required. This is my project for next year.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
I thought this was a 1986.
Summit has Hedman Elite's in stock for this car. They also have Hooker 2151's in stock.
Summit has Hedman Elite's in stock for this car. They also have Hooker 2151's in stock.
Last edited by BADDUCK; Apr 14, 2009 at 07:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Overland Park Kansas
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
He is right. You will need to modify your pipes or install duals after the headers are on. It's cheaper doing that anyway. Any decent muffler shop can do it.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Halifax Nova Scotia
Im also thinking some 1.6 rockers are a good idea for me. i like what i hear about pro magnums.
I also have an 86, mine with iron heads and just want someone to clarify that ill need the set for 3/8" studs right??
Has anyone ever heard of problems with staying with 3/8" rather than making the upgrade to 7/16"??
The reason i ask is because i plan to upgrade heads when its time to rebuild and i would rather not have to buy the same part over again in a different size. or do aftermarket heads typically have 7/16" studs?
I also have an 86, mine with iron heads and just want someone to clarify that ill need the set for 3/8" studs right??
Has anyone ever heard of problems with staying with 3/8" rather than making the upgrade to 7/16"??
The reason i ask is because i plan to upgrade heads when its time to rebuild and i would rather not have to buy the same part over again in a different size. or do aftermarket heads typically have 7/16" studs?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
Stud size 3/8 vs 7/16 should not be a problem with a stock cam and either 1.5 or 1.6 RR. The 1985 showed better idle with the combination 1.5 & 1.6. I would be tempted to go 1.6 for the 1986 all the way around. You will need to trim the drip tabs and perhaps use a taller gasket.