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Is the rocker trunion upgrade worthwhile?

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Old Dec 10, 2013 | 07:55 PM
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Default Is the rocker trunion upgrade worthwhile?

Like many gear heads I would like to keep my 03 Z as reliable as possible. I've read some posts about the Comp Cams trunion upgrade kit, and would like to know if it is really necessary? Do that many engines really have problems? Is it a mod more geared for track cars or will most all benefit?

Lastly, will it help with what I think is the standard LS6 valve train noise?

Looking forward to your feedback.
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Old Dec 10, 2013 | 09:41 PM
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I believe the trunion upgrade is beneficial for higher lift cams and non stock valve springs.

When I changed my heads and cam I was advised to include the trunion upgrade for having a reliable valve train that can handle up to 7000 rpm.

I don’t recall hearing its needed for a stock engine.

Accurate push rod length was critical in minimizing the dreaded sewing machine sound of the LS valve train for me.,but I doubt there is much that can be done to reduce it on a stock LS engine.

Last edited by warren s; Dec 10, 2013 at 09:49 PM.
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Old Dec 11, 2013 | 01:44 AM
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Comp Cams Trunion upgrade is "highly recommended" when swapping cam and springs.
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Old Dec 11, 2013 | 02:46 AM
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Wasn't there a certain year when the trunions became much less of a liability?
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Old Dec 11, 2013 | 04:16 AM
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Another upgrade choice is CHE rocker arm bushings instead of needle bearings.
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Old Dec 11, 2013 | 05:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Supercharged111
Wasn't there a certain year when the trunions became much less of a liability?
Yes, although I don't recall the year. I think it was a forum member who worked for GM that provided that information.
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Old Dec 11, 2013 | 08:53 AM
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did mine along with the supercharger install
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Old Dec 11, 2013 | 01:00 PM
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Not that much more to get Harland Sharp full roller rockers. Easier to install, too.
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Old Dec 11, 2013 | 01:20 PM
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My car is going in next week for heads and cam and also will be doing the grunion upgrade.
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Old Dec 11, 2013 | 04:07 PM
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Originally Posted by LoneStarFRC
Another upgrade choice is CHE rocker arm bushings instead of needle bearings.
I'm going this route, bit more pricey compared to comp upgrades
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Old Dec 11, 2013 | 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by nullpointer
I'm going this route, bit more pricey compared to comp upgrades
For those keeping the OE rocker arms, it is the top-shelf option. Nothing really wrong with the CC upgrade, but CHE takes to the highest level.

Where are you getting yours from? Charlie at RPM?
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Old Dec 11, 2013 | 05:52 PM
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Originally Posted by LoneStarFRC
For those keeping the OE rocker arms, it is the top-shelf option. Nothing really wrong with the CC upgrade, but CHE takes to the highest level.

Where are you getting yours from? Charlie at RPM?
Richard @ West Coast Cylinder Heads

Probably going to send them in January, one less thing to cause issues
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Old Dec 11, 2013 | 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted by nullpointer
Richard @ West Coast Cylinder Heads

Probably going to send them in January, one less thing to cause issues
You're right. No needle bearings, no potential loose needles.
The CHEs are nice.
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Old Dec 11, 2013 | 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted by nullpointer
Richard @ West Coast Cylinder Heads

Probably going to send them in January, one less thing to cause issues
When your ready consider us.

American Heritage Performance
http://www.americanheritageperformance.com/

We provide top tier work at a very reasonable price.
We have been servicing, building and modifying LS engines since 1997
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Old Dec 12, 2013 | 08:35 AM
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Originally Posted by zeevette
Not that much more to get Harland Sharp full roller rockers. Easier to install, too.
Are you serious?


The CC kit is $140-150, and the HS rockers are something like $350-400, aren't they? Plus, the CC kit is remove the rocker, press out OE "junk" trunnions and quasi-bearings, then press in CC's real bearings and real trunnions. Reinstall rocker, torque bolt. No worries about lash, pushrod length, etc....
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Old Dec 12, 2013 | 10:48 AM
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Originally Posted by American Heritage
When your ready consider us.

American Heritage Performance
http://www.americanheritageperformance.com/

We provide top tier work at a very reasonable price.
We have been servicing, building and modifying LS engines since 1997
You provide CHE rocker upgrades ? PM me price for me sending you my rockers to be upgraded
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Old Dec 12, 2013 | 05:28 PM
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Originally Posted by leadfoot4
Are you serious?


The CC kit is $140-150, and the HS rockers are something like $350-400, aren't they? Plus, the CC kit is remove the rocker, press out OE "junk" trunnions and quasi-bearings, then press in CC's real bearings and real trunnions. Reinstall rocker, torque bolt. No worries about lash, pushrod length, etc....
That's what I was thinking....

Thanks for the feedback so far. Does anyone know more detail about specific years that possibly less susceptible to failures?
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Old Dec 12, 2013 | 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by leadfoot4
Are you serious?


The CC kit is $140-150, and the HS rockers are something like $350-400, aren't they? Plus, the CC kit is remove the rocker, press out OE "junk" trunnions and quasi-bearings, then press in CC's real bearings and real trunnions. Reinstall rocker, torque bolt. No worries about lash, pushrod length, etc....
I got mine for free, and the last time I saw a set for sale was a few years ago. I used the 7.9" PRs that Trickflow supplied, and set them just like the stock rockers. About 7 years ago. I use the stock valve covers, too. The HS rockers don't have needle bearings. No machine work to install. Just sayin', it's an option.
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Old Dec 12, 2013 | 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by zeevette
I got mine for free, and the last time I saw a set for sale was a few years ago. I used the 7.9" PRs that Trickflow supplied, and set them just like the stock rockers. About 7 years ago. I use the stock valve covers, too. The HS rockers don't have needle bearings. No machine work to install. Just sayin', it's an option.
That slight fact might make me use them too.....
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Old Dec 12, 2013 | 09:59 PM
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Originally Posted by zeevette
.........The HS rockers don't have needle bearings..........
I also like Harland Sharp's products and quality, but unless there's something I'm missing, they DO in fact, use "needle bearings" in their design.





Harland Sharp:
"Our heavy-duty roller bearing
wall thickness provides the maximum strength that you can rely on. All Harland Sharp Roller Bearings are hand assembled. Each assembly contains 27 needle bearings. These assemblies are knurled to achieve a precision press fit. In addition, they are heat treated and black oxidized to achieve maximum strength and durability."
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