1.6 rocker arms
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 560
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From: Lovettsville VA
1.6 rocker arms
Just a quick question for those that have installed 1.6 rocker arms in you 93-96 LT1.
I read all the manuals and am mechanically inclined and have most of the engine coming apart (intake, TB, valve covers) but I feel intimidated about doing the roller rockers replacement when they start talking about last, etc...
Is it fairly simple to do and should I be intimidated?
I read all the manuals and am mechanically inclined and have most of the engine coming apart (intake, TB, valve covers) but I feel intimidated about doing the roller rockers replacement when they start talking about last, etc...
Is it fairly simple to do and should I be intimidated?
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
1.6 rockers
The 1.6 rockers adjust like any other.I allways adjust mine cold & go through the whole sequence 3 times before I tighten lock nuts It's better to adjust them mutiple of times when not running,than to spit out a lifter or bend a pushrod when running.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 5
From: Sandhills of North Carolina
Just a quick question for those that have installed 1.6 rocker arms in you 93-96 LT1.
I read all the manuals and am mechanically inclined and have most of the engine coming apart (intake, TB, valve covers) but I feel intimidated about doing the roller rockers replacement when they start talking about last, etc...
Is it fairly simple to do and should I be intimidated?
I read all the manuals and am mechanically inclined and have most of the engine coming apart (intake, TB, valve covers) but I feel intimidated about doing the roller rockers replacement when they start talking about last, etc...
Is it fairly simple to do and should I be intimidated?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Lovettsville VA
The rr's aren't' that bad. Just take your time and research it before starting. You should change the springs when doing them though. Lash on hydraulic lifters is easy to do. I would recommend a full roller if you're going to do it such as Comp Cams 1.6 Pro Magnum not just a roller tip rocker. LT4 springs will be enough on stock heads.
special tools needed?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 543
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From: powhatan va.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Many guys will tell you that it's a piece of cake, but for a first-timer it won't seem so. From all the posts I've read on the six or so Forums I regularly visit, most all the guys doing it for the first time have problems.
Best advice is to choose the method you want to use - since there are several different ways to make the swap and adjust the preload - and follow the directions EXACTLY. Find someone who REALLY knows how to adjust the lifter preload and follow his directions to the letter.
As soon as you let the conflicting views of others begin to effect what you're doing, your troubles will begin. Don't mix one method with another.
Best part is that after adjusting them a time or two, you'll come to realize how easy it REALLY is. It's the initial learning curve that can be so frustrating.
Jake
West Point ROCKS! Nation's TOP COLLEGE per Forbes Magazine!
Best advice is to choose the method you want to use - since there are several different ways to make the swap and adjust the preload - and follow the directions EXACTLY. Find someone who REALLY knows how to adjust the lifter preload and follow his directions to the letter.
As soon as you let the conflicting views of others begin to effect what you're doing, your troubles will begin. Don't mix one method with another.
Best part is that after adjusting them a time or two, you'll come to realize how easy it REALLY is. It's the initial learning curve that can be so frustrating.
Jake
West Point ROCKS! Nation's TOP COLLEGE per Forbes Magazine!
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: lexington NC
Sorry to hog your thread but I have a few questions abour roller rockers.
Will full roller rockers clear the stock black valve covers found on the 93-96 lt1? and with 1.6 self alighn rockers, do the stock lt1 valve springs have to be changed? And anyone know an eazy trick to changing vlave springs with the heads still on the car?
Ive got a fresh lt1 and want to install roller rockers but don't want to pull the heads.
thanks
Will full roller rockers clear the stock black valve covers found on the 93-96 lt1? and with 1.6 self alighn rockers, do the stock lt1 valve springs have to be changed? And anyone know an eazy trick to changing vlave springs with the heads still on the car?
Ive got a fresh lt1 and want to install roller rockers but don't want to pull the heads.
thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 5
From: Sandhills of North Carolina
Here are some of the parts I used. Not cheap ones but good ones. I used the cheaper LT4 springs (about 50.00). I knew I was planning on better heads later on is why I chose the LT4's.
You'll also need compressed air to hold the valve up to keep it from falling into the cylinder when you replace the springs. Some have used 3/8 rope crammed through the spark plug hole to hold it. Then rotate the engine to compress the rope up against the valve. I chose to use the air instead. You'll need a compression gage kit to get the air on the cylinder. A decent set of wrenches and sockets and a torque wrench are a must! Zip Locks labeled for nuts/bolts and small parts work great. And of coarse a FSM for your year car is always needed! Some pictures for reference taken before you start isn't a bad idea.
If you want some reputable info to read with a lot of great links go here. http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/viewforum.php?f=31 You may have to register to use his forum.
Do your research on this before starting. Like Jake said find someone that has done it before and has some detail of the process and take it one step at the time. It can be a little intimidating but take your time and you'll be fine.
http://www.loperspeed.com/khxc/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=prodshow&ref=1677
https://www.patriot-performance.com/xcart/product.php?productid=159&cat=52&page=2
Or
http://www.jegs.com/i/GM+Performance...95494/10002/-1#
https://www.patriot-performance.com/xcart/product.php?productid=160&cat=52&page=2
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFS-30400623-8/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-134-7103/
http://www.summitracing.com/search/Part-Type/Valve-Cover-Gaskets/Year/1995/Make/CHEVROLET/Engine-Size/5-7L-350/Engine-Family/Chevy-small-block-Gen-II-LT-based-engines/?keyword=valve%20cover%20gasket
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFS-21407200/
OR (Must be measured)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFS-21407150/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFS-9000/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MOR-62370/
You'll also need compressed air to hold the valve up to keep it from falling into the cylinder when you replace the springs. Some have used 3/8 rope crammed through the spark plug hole to hold it. Then rotate the engine to compress the rope up against the valve. I chose to use the air instead. You'll need a compression gage kit to get the air on the cylinder. A decent set of wrenches and sockets and a torque wrench are a must! Zip Locks labeled for nuts/bolts and small parts work great. And of coarse a FSM for your year car is always needed! Some pictures for reference taken before you start isn't a bad idea.
If you want some reputable info to read with a lot of great links go here. http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/viewforum.php?f=31 You may have to register to use his forum.
Do your research on this before starting. Like Jake said find someone that has done it before and has some detail of the process and take it one step at the time. It can be a little intimidating but take your time and you'll be fine.
http://www.loperspeed.com/khxc/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=prodshow&ref=1677
https://www.patriot-performance.com/xcart/product.php?productid=159&cat=52&page=2
Or
http://www.jegs.com/i/GM+Performance...95494/10002/-1#
https://www.patriot-performance.com/xcart/product.php?productid=160&cat=52&page=2
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFS-30400623-8/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-134-7103/
http://www.summitracing.com/search/Part-Type/Valve-Cover-Gaskets/Year/1995/Make/CHEVROLET/Engine-Size/5-7L-350/Engine-Family/Chevy-small-block-Gen-II-LT-based-engines/?keyword=valve%20cover%20gasket
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFS-21407200/
OR (Must be measured)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFS-21407150/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFS-9000/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MOR-62370/
Last edited by Weav's Vet; Sep 21, 2009 at 05:27 AM.
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 635
Likes: 1
Hi I've read of using lt4 valve springs before.Couple of questions. Anyone had problems with rocker arm to retainer clearance with lt4 springs and maybe had to grind rockers for enough clearance? Can I use my stock lt1 retainers and locks with the lt4 springs? Thanks Tim
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 5
From: Sandhills of North Carolina
Hi I've read of using lt4 valve springs before.Couple of questions. Anyone had problems with rocker arm to retainer clearance with lt4 springs and maybe had to grind rockers for enough clearance? Can I use my stock lt1 retainers and locks with the lt4 springs? Thanks Tim
I can't answer the question on the stock rockers I used 1.6.
You will have to cut the VC's though if you upgrade to 1.6 rockers. I did anyway. Yes, stock locks and retainers will work with the lT4 springs.
