Roller Rockers
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 29
Likes: 3
Roller Rockers
Looking to go with a set of Rollers over stock.. Currently have an 85. Mods include open airbox, and no cats with Magnaflows out back. Looking for recommendations on brand and style 1.5 or 1.6? Also any known clearance issues and fitment issues?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
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From: near the thumb in the mitten
1.6 will give you a little more lift. Perimeter bolt valve covers leaves plenty of options to correct and contact concerns. The stock iron heads aren't the best. It might be worthwhile to get a set of modern iron or aluminum heads first.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2018
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From: Wisconsin
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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85 didn't have pushrod guide plates. You will need to get a set of self aligning rockers. 1.6 ratio ones will net you a small increase in lift. I used a set of Comp Cams ones in my 85 prior to switching to AFR heads.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 519
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From: Caribbean/Florida
The Heads and Cam are much better to replace... the 1.5 RR would be an upgrade but you would not feel any real power with this alone.
Good 185cc AFR heads and a decent cam and some headers. Can add a good 80 to 100 Flywheel Horse Power.
I use crane Cams Gold Self Aligning Roller Rockers for strength and reduced friction and accuracy.
Good 185cc AFR heads and a decent cam and some headers. Can add a good 80 to 100 Flywheel Horse Power.
I use crane Cams Gold Self Aligning Roller Rockers for strength and reduced friction and accuracy.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,590
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From: ft myers FL/Munising MI
i USED 1.6 WITH ALUMINUM HEADS ON MY 85....OPENED THE EXHAUST WITH AN "X' pipe and cherry bombs....it does make some difference...added some horsepower on the dyno.....wasn't cheap though,....burned rubber pretty good before I spent the bucks......
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
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From: Park City Utah
IDK why you guys are suggesting heads. Of course heads make more power than rockers. Come on. They also cost $1000 more. It's probably not really in most people's budget to buy $1200 (or way more) heads, when they're thinking about rockers.
OP, Engine master lost hp when they switch from stamped 1.5 rockers to 1.5 roller rockers. It was a meaningless loss, but the point is, there was no gain. They did gain power with a swap to 1.6 Roller Rockers, over 1.5 rockers of either type. It's easy to see why; more lift. Probably especially helpful on a lame, stock cam....as long as the valves don't float.
OP, Engine master lost hp when they switch from stamped 1.5 rockers to 1.5 roller rockers. It was a meaningless loss, but the point is, there was no gain. They did gain power with a swap to 1.6 Roller Rockers, over 1.5 rockers of either type. It's easy to see why; more lift. Probably especially helpful on a lame, stock cam....as long as the valves don't float.
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2018
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From: Wisconsin
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
IDK why you guys are suggesting heads. Of course heads make more power than rockers. Come on. They also cost $1000 more. It's probably not really in most people's budget to buy $1200 (or way more) heads, when they're thinking about rockers.
OP, Engine master lost hp when they switch from stamped 1.5 rockers to 1.5 roller rockers. It was a meaningless loss, but the point is, there was no gain. They did gain power with a swap to 1.6 Roller Rockers, over 1.5 rockers of either type. It's easy to see why; more lift. Probably especially helpful on a lame, stock cam....as long as the valves don't float.
OP, Engine master lost hp when they switch from stamped 1.5 rockers to 1.5 roller rockers. It was a meaningless loss, but the point is, there was no gain. They did gain power with a swap to 1.6 Roller Rockers, over 1.5 rockers of either type. It's easy to see why; more lift. Probably especially helpful on a lame, stock cam....as long as the valves don't float.
I wouldn't advise against doing 1.6rr plus exhaust manifolds from one of the LT C4s (though heads, cam, and headers would be better.) It would make for a relatively low cost upgrade that should add a little power.
While I didn't dyno the 85 when I added the 1.6 ratio rollers it did seem to pick up a small amount of power. (Wish I could remember the part number I used for the OP.)
I did end up having to do valve guide seals. Probably should do them while you are doing the rockers.
Last edited by Mixednuttz; Jan 20, 2022 at 08:15 PM. Reason: Spelling
