roller rocker recommendation
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 23
From: Minnesota
roller rocker recommendation
I'm looking to replace my stock rockers with a set of aftermarket roller rockers. I have Dart Pro 1 heads with a 228/232 .571/.573 112 cam. I'd like a good strong roller rocker in the stock 1.7 ratio that will NOT break. I do NOT want to use YellaTerra as those seem to be prone to failure. Any recommendations? Crane, Harland Sharp, etc.?
Thanks for the help!
Thanks for the help!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 328
From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
Sorry you heard bad things about the YT's----They only had a few failures with their older style rockers--But still far less than any other manufacturer---Their new "Ultralight" series are simply the best rockers in the world !!!!
PS: The YT failures were only at 6800-7000 high RPM use as they were just to heavy at that RPM----
PS: The YT failures were only at 6800-7000 high RPM use as they were just to heavy at that RPM----
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 278
Likes: 17
From: Auburn/Dacula/Lawrenceville Georgia
I'm looking to replace my stock rockers with a set of aftermarket roller rockers. I have Dart Pro 1 heads with a 228/232 .571/.573 112 cam. I'd like a good strong roller rocker in the stock 1.7 ratio that will NOT break. I do NOT want to use YellaTerra as those seem to be prone to failure. Any recommendations? Crane, Harland Sharp, etc.?
Thanks for the help!
Thanks for the help!
That said OP, you will have no trouble with a YT rocker with that camshaft. As long as you stay under 150lbs seat/400lbs open pressure on the valve spring choice, you'll be fine. For a cam like that with mild lift, a big heavy spring is not only not needed but not recommended either for best results in valvetrain stability.
Last edited by Josh@SpartanLSX; Mar 20, 2014 at 09:25 AM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 278
Likes: 17
From: Auburn/Dacula/Lawrenceville Georgia
I know you weren't directing the question at me but I figured I'd throw this out there. Advance Induction has come up with some awesome CNC programs for the LSX Dart stuff. Out of the box they're not that great, but they're an awesome platform to port on.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 23
From: Minnesota
The Yella Terra's have failed mostly due to installer error. It's a soft metal that cannot handle a lot of spring pressure and/or a very aggressive lobe. I used to hate on YT's too until I realized what was going on. Since then, I've used 100's of sets with no issues. The key is to setup the valvetrain accordingly to using a lightweight metal.
That said OP, you will have no trouble with a YT rocker with that camshaft. As long as you stay under 150lbs seat/400lbs open pressure on the valve spring choice, you'll be fine. For a cam like that with mild lift, a big heavy spring is not only not needed but not recommended either for best results in valvetrain stability.
That said OP, you will have no trouble with a YT rocker with that camshaft. As long as you stay under 150lbs seat/400lbs open pressure on the valve spring choice, you'll be fine. For a cam like that with mild lift, a big heavy spring is not only not needed but not recommended either for best results in valvetrain stability.
Also, what rockers can you recommend that are bullet proof regardless of the spring/cam combo?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
The Dart's came with PSI 1511 valve springs and light titanium retainers. I am running YT's as well and plan to upgrade to the latest version this spring (I currently have the older design). Make sure you set the wipe first, then measure for pushrod length as it may change depending on shims.
I ran Crane before and the wipe pattern was way too wide for bronze guides. I got the YT's down to a 0.045" wide pattern. I have a post on how to set them up if you search for it. It is on my current AFR heads. I ran the Cranes on the Darts, and I don't recommend them.
I ran Crane before and the wipe pattern was way too wide for bronze guides. I got the YT's down to a 0.045" wide pattern. I have a post on how to set them up if you search for it. It is on my current AFR heads. I ran the Cranes on the Darts, and I don't recommend them.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 23
From: Minnesota
The Dart's came with PSI 1511 valve springs and light titanium retainers. I am running YT's as well and plan to upgrade to the latest version this spring (I currently have the older design). Make sure you set the wipe first, then measure for pushrod length as it may change depending on shims.
I ran Crane before and the wipe pattern was way too wide for bronze guides. I got the YT's down to a 0.045" wide pattern. I have a post on how to set them up if you search for it. It is on my current AFR heads. I ran the Cranes on the Darts, and I don't recommend them.
I ran Crane before and the wipe pattern was way too wide for bronze guides. I got the YT's down to a 0.045" wide pattern. I have a post on how to set them up if you search for it. It is on my current AFR heads. I ran the Cranes on the Darts, and I don't recommend them.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
There have been some reports of breakage although mine have been fine. However, I spent a lot of time setting them up and then went with stiffer pushrods as well. I prefer to change them now since the new ones are much stronger. For a lighter setup like the OP has, they would probably be fine.
Here is the post on my YT setup on the AFR heads: Link to YT Setup on AFR heads
I also posted about my pushrod investigation here: Link to Pushrod Investigation
Here is the post on my YT setup on the AFR heads: Link to YT Setup on AFR heads
I also posted about my pushrod investigation here: Link to Pushrod Investigation
Last edited by vettenuts; Mar 20, 2014 at 06:58 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 984
Likes: 23
From: Florence SC
I've read this complete post and I'm wondering why no one has suggested the Jessel shaft rockers. I was/am under the impression that they are THE s**t. They are expensive but the very best money can by. Can anyone with actual experience dispute this? I want rollers also even though AI advised against them when I had my heads CNC'D. How about T&D, they are supposed to be light years ahead of Crane, Harland Sharp and YT's also. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,120
Likes: 119
St. Jude Donor '10
Because they are so pricey and require modifications to the head that quite a few machine shops do not do. They are not the very best money can buy, but they are up there.
That is actual experience disputing your claim. They do fail also. In some very odd circumstances. They are def not bolt on and go with maybe minimal shimming.
As far as the yella terra breakage, that was actually not just improperly setting them up but a bad batch of extrusions as well. Again, actual experience there too.
That is actual experience disputing your claim. They do fail also. In some very odd circumstances. They are def not bolt on and go with maybe minimal shimming.
As far as the yella terra breakage, that was actually not just improperly setting them up but a bad batch of extrusions as well. Again, actual experience there too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 984
Likes: 23
From: Florence SC
Because they are so pricey and require modifications to the head that quite a few machine shops do not do. They are not the very best money can buy, but they are up there.
That is actual experience disputing your claim. They do fail also. In some very odd circumstances. They are def not bolt on and go with maybe minimal shimming.
As far as the yella terra breakage, that was actually not just improperly setting them up but a bad batch of extrusions as well. Again, actual experience there too.
That is actual experience disputing your claim. They do fail also. In some very odd circumstances. They are def not bolt on and go with maybe minimal shimming.
As far as the yella terra breakage, that was actually not just improperly setting them up but a bad batch of extrusions as well. Again, actual experience there too.
Last edited by bracketshark; Mar 20, 2014 at 10:44 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,120
Likes: 119
St. Jude Donor '10
I dont ever include ebay in what I talk about as far as parts. The best ones money can buy is a rather subjective question. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
In the past there were a few of their J2K series rockers break. I cannot quote specifics as it was around 2008-09 and my memory doesn't work that good that far back. And they werent breaking on the LS, but on big blocks.
In the past there were a few of their J2K series rockers break. I cannot quote specifics as it was around 2008-09 and my memory doesn't work that good that far back. And they werent breaking on the LS, but on big blocks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,352
Likes: 103
From: In the pit, trying to love someone.
OP, do a search on here and on LS1tech about the YT rocker failures. In the last 2-3 years, they seem to be the only ones (other than stockers puking needle bearings) that anyone posts about failing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,120
Likes: 119
St. Jude Donor '10
There was a new scorpion rocker thread, but they look to be older set. The stigma from them breaking many moons ago has stuck with them. Not so much for the other companies. Oddly. Esp since Scorp is made over here and backed by a lifetime wnty also.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,671
Likes: 369
From: Forney TX
They're expensive as they come and even set up properly, their geometry is horrible. They have a high MOI and they're quick off the seat, causing valvetrain instability. Speaking from a lot of personal experience with these BTW, not hearsay.
If you insist on changing rockers, you're better off with YT's than these^^.
FYI, I spared very little expense on my latest motor. RHS block, billet rods, billet pistons, MAST heads with the best valves money can buy and I deliberately put stock rockers with the trunions upgraded in it.
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Offering products from A&A Superchargers, East Coast Superchargers, Mechman Alternators, Mantic clutches, RPS clutches, Kooks Headers, Lakewood, LG, Brian Tooley Racing, Comp Cams, FAST, ARP, UPP Turbo systems, Wiseco, Callies, K1, MAST Motorsports, Haltech and many more. PM me for details.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 23
From: Minnesota
Where did you get this information from? I can think of at least three instances where someone popped a rocker CRUISING.
OP, do a search on here and on LS1tech about the YT rocker failures. In the last 2-3 years, they seem to be the only ones (other than stockers puking needle bearings) that anyone posts about failing.
OP, do a search on here and on LS1tech about the YT rocker failures. In the last 2-3 years, they seem to be the only ones (other than stockers puking needle bearings) that anyone posts about failing.