What does self aligning rocker arms mean?
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Joined: May 2003
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From: WATERFORD CT
What does self aligning rocker arms mean?
Im getting ready to do my valve stem seals and thought this would be a good time for some 1.6 roller rockers.Ive read everyone saying to get self aligning rockers.Are there any differences in instalation of self alinging compared to the stock rockers?
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
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Re: What does self aligning rocker arms mean? (montie98)
Your rockers you have now are self aligning. Essentially it means that the tip is designed in such a way that it cradles the valve stem and keeps it from turning off sideways. You must provide direcitonal support for the rockers somehow, if you don't run self aligning rockers you will have to install hardened pushrods and guideplates in order to use them. It's no big deal to do that either.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: What does self aligning rocker arms mean? (montie98)
The "best" setup is 1.6:1 full roller rockers for most HP gain.
However, your '85 uses holes in the heads to align the push rods so going to a higher ratio could mean having those holes machined so as to not interfere with the push rods.
When you pull the valve covers you can see how closely the pushrods fit in those holes; if not too close you might be able to install self-aligning 1.6:1 RRs. Otherwise, just install hardened push rods and the non-self aligning 1.54:1 RRs. You can get overnight delivery on a set of ProMagnum full RRs directly from Com Cams. In any case I would suggest the ProMagnum RRs in either the 1.54:1 or 1.60:1 ratio. You should likely install a new set of valve springs too.
However, your '85 uses holes in the heads to align the push rods so going to a higher ratio could mean having those holes machined so as to not interfere with the push rods.
When you pull the valve covers you can see how closely the pushrods fit in those holes; if not too close you might be able to install self-aligning 1.6:1 RRs. Otherwise, just install hardened push rods and the non-self aligning 1.54:1 RRs. You can get overnight delivery on a set of ProMagnum full RRs directly from Com Cams. In any case I would suggest the ProMagnum RRs in either the 1.54:1 or 1.60:1 ratio. You should likely install a new set of valve springs too.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: What does self aligning rocker arms mean? (65Z01)
However, your '85 uses holes in the heads to align the push rods so going to a higher ratio could mean having those holes machined so as to not interfere with the push rods.
When you pull the valve covers you can see how closely the pushrods fit in those holes; if not too close you might be able to install self-aligning 1.6:1 RRs. Otherwise, just install hardened push rods and the non-self aligning 1.54:1 RRs.
When you pull the valve covers you can see how closely the pushrods fit in those holes; if not too close you might be able to install self-aligning 1.6:1 RRs. Otherwise, just install hardened push rods and the non-self aligning 1.54:1 RRs.
You will need NON-SELF-ALIGNING rockers with 3/8" stud for your iron head L98.
The valvetrain can only be aligned at one place. If you force alignment in two places, you will probably cause binding and premature wear. Installing self-aligning rockers may cause your pushrods to rub on the iron heads. Some members have gotten away with this (so far), but don't take their advice.
After looking at my heads, I'm afraid to put 1.6s on em. It just doesn't look like they'll clear. The 1.6s place the pushrod closer to the pivot (to increase the ratio) but there's not much clearance as is in those pushrod holes with the stock setup.
[Modified by CentralCoaster, 2:06 PM 9/11/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Albuquerque NM
Re: What does self aligning rocker arms mean? (montie98)
Make sure if you go roller rocker that you look at getting the correct length for the rocker stud. I had to go with a taller stud as well as use washers to increase the number of threads engaged.
Essentially, if you find youeself twisting the "lock" for the rocker all the way down consider using washers and a longer stud. ARP makes a long edition for 3/8". I believe 7/16" guys have a longer choice as well.
Essentially, if you find youeself twisting the "lock" for the rocker all the way down consider using washers and a longer stud. ARP makes a long edition for 3/8". I believe 7/16" guys have a longer choice as well.
