Should I run roller rockers?

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Nov 24, 2011 | 03:45 PM

TheDEfan

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From: Saratoga Springs Ut

Should I run roller rockers?

I have installed a Texas Speed 224/224 581/581 cam. I have read that the stock LS rockers are only good for 550 lift, and will cause premature valve guide wear.

Nov 24, 2011 | 06:54 PM

printmanjackson

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From: Jackson Tn

St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09

you will be fine. I think it's .650 lift when the rocker starts getting close to the edge. Mine is .600 lift and it was fine when I checked it.

Nov 24, 2011 | 07:14 PM

chevylad

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From: chandler az

I've seen this topic go back and forth a lot and on different forums. There was also a write up on this issue in an old issue of GM Hi-Tech Performance with a diagram by Trick-Flow on a side view image of the stock rocker tip vs a roller tip. This diagram was good enough to convince me to run a roller rocker (with a roller tip)

http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...e/viewall.html

Nov 25, 2011 | 12:50 AM

LSOHOLIC

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Quote:

Originally Posted by printmanjackson

you will be fine. I think it's .650 lift when the rocker starts getting close to the edge. Mine is .600 lift and it was fine when I checked it.

IMHO...you are 100% correct. If it makes you feel better take a black sharpe and color in the entire top of the valve cap. Intall your factory rocker torque to 22ft lbs (assuming you have the correct preload) and roll the engine over until that cylinder goes through a entire cycle. Then remove the rocker and check the wipe patteren...it will tell you if you have exceded the geometry of the factory rocker scroll design. If the patteren is centered.....rock on a spend the money somewhere else in the build.

Thanks...

Nov 25, 2011 | 07:36 AM

leadfoot4

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From: Western NY

I seem to recall that the trunnions on the OE rollers are also a limiting factor, when it comes to valve lift. If the budget won't allow full roller rockers, at least an upgrade to the CompCams trunnions in the OE lifters would be a good idea.

Nov 25, 2011 | 07:54 AM

vettenuts

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From: At the beach in little Rhody

With stock heads with the harder valve guides, I would stay with the stock rockers. I would upgrade the bearings while they are off. There is also one place in CA that will install sleeve bearings.

As for the wipe patter, an aftermarket cam may require you lower the rockers to establish a good wipe pattern. This is better accomplished with something like the steel rocker stand that is offered by LPE. You will need to figure out how much the height must be lowered and then milled the LPE rocker stand.

Nov 25, 2011 | 08:33 AM

leadfoot4

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From: Western NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettenuts

With stock heads with the harder valve guides, I would stay with the stock rockers. I would upgrade the bearings while they are off. There is also one place in CA that will install sleeve bearings.
As for the wipe patter, an aftermarket cam may require you lower the rockers to establish a good wipe pattern. This is better accomplished with something like the steel rocker stand that is offered by LPE. You will need to figure out how much the height must be lowered and then milled the LPE rocker stand.

I believe the name of that place is "CHE something or other". I looked into this modification, and while I believe it's a good upgrade, I backed away because of the cost. I did the CompCams trunnion install for about 1/4 the cost.