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1.6 RR Install question

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Old Sep 14, 2002 | 12:25 PM
  #1  
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Default 1.6 RR Install question

I have the Proform full rollers. On my 88, can I just install and adjust the rockers, trim the driprail, and go? Is it absoutely necessary, at the same time, to install new guide plates and hardened pushrods?
Thanks
Harold
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Old Sep 14, 2002 | 12:37 PM
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Default Re: 1.6 RR Install question (TPFKATK)

I have the Proform full rollers. On my 88, can I just install and adjust the rockers, trim the driprail, and go? Is it absoutely necessary, at the same time, to install new guide plates and hardened pushrods?
Thanks
Harold
First thing I would do is take the proforms back, and get cranes, comps, or Engine Works.. I have heard MANY a story of the proform roller rockers failing after less then 5000 miles.

As for pushrods, and guideplates, it is really up to you.. it is good peace of mind to have the stronger pushrods, but they arent absolutely necessary. (In a nutshell, I would but its your call).

As for the clearancing.. I installed the engine works 1.6 RRs (which have the same shape and size as the pro-forms), and on my '92 valve covers, clearancing was a major PITA. lcvette was helping me, and we had to shave off all the drip tabs, clearance the cross members, and clearance the center posts. It took us 8 hours for a RR install!! :eek:

-Mark
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Old Sep 14, 2002 | 12:56 PM
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Default Re: 1.6 RR Install question (MarkLT1)

Yea I heard bad things about Proforms too..
I'm ordering a set of CompCams Magnum RR's..
But I am stickign with 1.52 ratio to keep things easy and simple.
I am replacing the pushrods with new hardened ones, as they are originals
with 103K miles on them.. Can't hurt, and it looks easy to replace.
They are cheap too..
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Old Sep 14, 2002 | 12:58 PM
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Default Re: 1.6 RR Install question (TPFKATK)

You might want to think about your valve springs and see if they can acatually handle the extra lift.

I have the Crane Golds and all I had to do was grind down the drip tabs, wasn't really hard at all except I kept breaking my Dremel cutoff wheels.
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Old Sep 14, 2002 | 01:28 PM
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Default Re: 1.6 RR Install question (TPFKATK)

What you "need" depends on what type of RRs you install.
-self aligning don't need new guides nor pushrods.
-non self aligning DO need hardened guide plates and pushrods.

It would be a good idea to also install new lower valve seals and O-rings, a set of springs with a little more seat pressure (e.g. Comp Cams P/N 981), and machined keepers. You may need a shim pack to achieve correct installed height and so seat pressure.

If you want to rev higher, say push to around 6k RPM or so, add Ti retainers with 10deg keepers and toss the tin oil shedders from atop the valve springs. For this application a set of 7/16" rocker studs would also be the ticket to stiffen the valve train.

You will need to grind the drip tabs (keep em wet during grinding) down some and possibly narrow the bolt towers a bit (I had to with my ProMagnums).
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Old Sep 14, 2002 | 02:17 PM
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Default Re: 1.6 RR Install question (65Z01)

Thanks guys. This engine has 142k on clock and I am thinking it won't be too long til I go 383 or some such. For now I am strictly LOW BUDGET. I am going to put these in and see what happens.
I am turning low 13.40s at 101.9x.
H
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Old Sep 14, 2002 | 02:24 PM
  #7  
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Default Re: 1.6 RR Install question (TPFKATK)

Just be sure that you turn it over a few times by hand with the rockers on there. If the springs coil bind you can do some serious damage.
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Old Sep 14, 2002 | 02:32 PM
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Default Re: 1.6 RR Install question (Nathan Plemons)

Thanks Nathan, I will do that. I think I will go ahead and use new springs, pushrods, and seals. What is the deal with discarding the oil deflector on the spring???
H
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Old Sep 14, 2002 | 03:58 PM
  #9  
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Default Re: 1.6 RR Install question (TPFKATK)

Thanks guys. This engine has 142k on clock and I am thinking it won't be too long til I go 383 or some such. For now I am strictly LOW BUDGET. I am going to put these in and see what happens.
I am turning low 13.40s at 101.9x.
H
Its your $$$, and your engine... but trust me.. Valve train is one place where you NEVER want to go low budget. If the rocker breaks in a bad way, it can mean stuck open valves, which means torn up pistons, which means WAY more $$$$$.. I'll see if I can find some of the pictures to show you.. Pro Form rockers, broken on stock cams, after less then 5000 miles...
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Old Sep 14, 2002 | 07:00 PM
  #10  
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MarkLT1
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St. Jude Donor '04
Default Re: 1.6 RR Install question (MarkLT1)

Found a couple pix.




These were taken after a few thousand miles of normal (non drag) driving, on a car with a stock cam.. Just goes to show, you get what you pay for. Do yourself a favor, and save up until you can afford a set of quality RRs.. The Proforms are junk.

-Mark
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