Roller Rockers?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
Roller Rockers?
Hey Guys, I Have A 1985 Corvette, My AFR 195 Heads Are Coming This Week And I Was Wondering If These Roller Rockers Will Work With These Heads? Also, Will They Fit With The Stock 1985 Valve Covers?
Thanks!
http://store.max-redline.com/servlet/-strse-740/Detail
Thanks!
http://store.max-redline.com/servlet/-strse-740/Detail
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
Actually, I would like to buy these ones instead. The previous site doesn't have such great reviews. I'll spend an extra few dollars for these. Will these work?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cc...make/chevrolet
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cc...make/chevrolet
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
You can "make" them fit. Things to do:
1) Grind off the drip tab inside the stock covers. Do not try to break them off you will break a hole in the cover
2) Use the tallest gaskets you can find or double up the gaskets by gluing two together with 100% silicone and let the gaskets set at least 24 hours. You will have to get longer bolts for the covers
3) I had a 74211 LPE cam in my ZZ4 with the stock covers. The lift on the exhaust was .534 (from memory). These 1.6 rockers I had just kissed the cover with a single gasket. I solved this problem by wrapping the entire rocker in masking tape and then taking a sanding disk on my grinder, I sanded a 45 degree angle on the push rod end. I sanded this down about 3/16" and it gave me about 1/8" clearance. There was no structural problem with the rockers I used.
1) Grind off the drip tab inside the stock covers. Do not try to break them off you will break a hole in the cover
2) Use the tallest gaskets you can find or double up the gaskets by gluing two together with 100% silicone and let the gaskets set at least 24 hours. You will have to get longer bolts for the covers
3) I had a 74211 LPE cam in my ZZ4 with the stock covers. The lift on the exhaust was .534 (from memory). These 1.6 rockers I had just kissed the cover with a single gasket. I solved this problem by wrapping the entire rocker in masking tape and then taking a sanding disk on my grinder, I sanded a 45 degree angle on the push rod end. I sanded this down about 3/16" and it gave me about 1/8" clearance. There was no structural problem with the rockers I used.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
Like mentioned above , (you can make them work), but why not get a good set of roller rockers like Scorpions or Comp cams better rockers.Your getting one of the best heads available , why cheap out on the rockers.The cheaper rockers also tend to have more noise then the better rockers...Make sure the springs will work with whatever you decide to get, also the push rods have to be the proper length.....Instead of working the stock valve covers over to make them work, why not get a set that are made for 1.6 rockers.. I have a set of Proform GM valve covers that are only 1/4" higher then stock and look great on the engine, you can get them in either Krinkled Black or polished aluminum for just a hair over $100.00...This is just my opinon, Im sure some will disagree...
...WW
...WW
Last edited by WW7; Feb 1, 2014 at 10:27 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I would also look at Harland Sharp rockers or The Lunati VooDoo rockers. You might want to watch the video which discusses rocker arms. The link is under the pic of the rockers.
As mentioned, you can grind off the tabs on the inside of the valve covers for clearance. And use two gaskets on the covers. You will probably won't be able to use tall valve covers. I assume the valve covers have perimeter bolts rather than center bolt?
It can't hurt to check with AFR to see what rockers they might recommend with their heads. Some roller rockers may not clear the springs that came with aftermarket heads. And some roller rockers won't work with the 87-later centerbolt valve covers.
As mentioned, you can grind off the tabs on the inside of the valve covers for clearance. And use two gaskets on the covers. You will probably won't be able to use tall valve covers. I assume the valve covers have perimeter bolts rather than center bolt?
It can't hurt to check with AFR to see what rockers they might recommend with their heads. Some roller rockers may not clear the springs that came with aftermarket heads. And some roller rockers won't work with the 87-later centerbolt valve covers.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
I would also look at Harland Sharp rockers or The Lunati VooDoo rockers. You might want to watch the video which discusses rocker arms. The link is under the pic of the rockers.
As mentioned, you can grind off the tabs on the inside of the valve covers for clearance. And use two gaskets on the covers. You will probably won't be able to use tall valve covers. I assume the valve covers have perimeter bolts rather than center bolt?....
It can't hurt to check with AFR to see what rockers they might recommend with their heads. Some roller rockers may not clear the springs that came with aftermarket heads. And some roller rockers won't work with the 87-later centerbolt valve covers.
As mentioned, you can grind off the tabs on the inside of the valve covers for clearance. And use two gaskets on the covers. You will probably won't be able to use tall valve covers. I assume the valve covers have perimeter bolts rather than center bolt?....
It can't hurt to check with AFR to see what rockers they might recommend with their heads. Some roller rockers may not clear the springs that came with aftermarket heads. And some roller rockers won't work with the 87-later centerbolt valve covers.
Last edited by WW7; Feb 1, 2014 at 10:25 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 76
From: Santa Maria, CA
I use Comp Cam Ultra Gold rockers with AFR 195 heads. The heads work with perimeter or center bolt covers. With stock covers the tabs will definitely need to be ground off. But there's also interference with the inboard wall of the cover. In some cases there's so much interference that the corners of the rockers have to be ground down. Aftermarket covers designed for roller rockers have that wall moved inboard to provide extra clearance.
When I installed my first set of AFRs I found a Summit brand valve cover that was short and was designed for rollers. I think they cost me $75. If you go to an aftermarket cover keep in mind that most tall covers will not clear the wiper motor.
When I installed my first set of AFRs I found a Summit brand valve cover that was short and was designed for rollers. I think they cost me $75. If you go to an aftermarket cover keep in mind that most tall covers will not clear the wiper motor.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
I use Comp Cam Ultra Gold rockers with AFR 195 heads. The heads work with perimeter or center bolt covers. With stock covers the tabs will definitely need to be ground off. But there's also interference with the inboard wall of the cover. In some cases there's so much interference that the corners of the rockers have to be ground down. Aftermarket covers designed for roller rockers have that wall moved inboard to provide extra clearance.
When I installed my first set of AFRs I found a Summit brand valve cover that was short and was designed for rollers. I think they cost me $75. If you go to an aftermarket cover keep in mind that most tall covers will not clear the wiper motor.
When I installed my first set of AFRs I found a Summit brand valve cover that was short and was designed for rollers. I think they cost me $75. If you go to an aftermarket cover keep in mind that most tall covers will not clear the wiper motor.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-141-108/overview/
Last edited by WW7; Feb 1, 2014 at 12:03 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 76
From: Santa Maria, CA
If he wants to stay with perimeter bolt covers, I believe these may work with the wiper motor on the 85, since they are angled down at the ends... On the later model Corvette's the wiper motor isn't a problem, my 89 has centerbolt proform covers that fit without touching the wiper motor...WW
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-141-108/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-141-108/overview/
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 347
Likes: 25
From: Rockford Illinois
I put 1.5/1.6 PRW stainless rollers on my 1985 last spring and didn't have any problems with fit. I used a Dremel with a cut off wheel to take out the drip tabs on the stock covers. I used a Felpro dry silicone/metal reinforced gasket that was recommended in other threads on here, it's pricey from what I remember but thick and sealed perfectly, not a leak. The only problem I had was the provided polylocks were too tall and would not fit under the cover so I had to buy the short version. It's a great upgrade and you will feel the difference. I also used stock length upgraded pushrods with no problems. This is a video just before the final adjustment and the stock covers went back on. Tap the picture.
Last edited by TBSS/85vette; Feb 2, 2014 at 11:48 PM. Reason: Forgot again
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
Okay thanks for all the advice guys, but I have a question. I was talking to my friend about what I was doing and he said not to remove the valve cover bafflers. I was reading online about it and people were saying that without it the PCV valve may suck actual oil into the intake.
Does anyone have any more information about this? Thanks!
Does anyone have any more information about this? Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
We did not tell you to remove the baffles. It is the DRIP TABS which are part of the cast covers that have to be removed so the RR will fit.
IF you are going to use the stock cam in the 85 then the covers will fit with the tabs removed and a stock gasket.
If you have a high lift cam, then you will have to go to a taller gasket and perhaps modify the rocker itself as I suggested. It will depend on the lift of the cam.
IF you are going to use the stock cam in the 85 then the covers will fit with the tabs removed and a stock gasket.
If you have a high lift cam, then you will have to go to a taller gasket and perhaps modify the rocker itself as I suggested. It will depend on the lift of the cam.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
I've got the Comp full rollers w/ 1:6 ratio under these. I had to grind a tiny bit of the top fin off the rear to clear the wiper motor. I'd still like to see some pics of your '85, hurry up & get it done so we can see it.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,698
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
My drip tabs are long gone. Just take off the valve cover and turn it over and look inside. You will see part of the casting on the inside top of the cover that is about 1/8" thick and about 3/4" wide and drops down about 1/2" or so. This is the "tab" we are talking about. There are several under the cover. Don't remember the exact number.
Grind them off with a die grinder or use a Dermal with a small cut off wheel and cut them off.
Grind them off with a die grinder or use a Dermal with a small cut off wheel and cut them off.