I'm getting ready to replace my rocker arms and push rods on my '01, I've heard to many horror stories about the bearings failing in the rockers. I'll be doing this by myself and at 63 yrs. old I really don't feel like crawling under my car a thousand times to turn the engine over by hand to torque the new ones down. I don't need a high dollar wireless remote, I'm thinking a corded push button, $80 from Grainger..Can anyone tell me what I would connect it to, and if it would work?

 

There are two schools of thought on this task. One school goes by what you're looking at, that being getting the engine set at #1 at TDC, and doing 8 of the rockers, turning the engine 1 revolution, then doing the remaining 8. The other school of thought is to simply pop the valve covers, and do each rocker one at a time, not being concerned of their position. Since you don't "lash" the valves, like you would on an "old school SBC", it is doable this way. The only concern is that you're tightening the rocker retaining bolts against the pressure of the valve springs, on some of the valves.

FWIW, since I have installed both the "first generation" Comp Cams rocker bearings, and later, the Straub Technology bushings, I've used both methods, without issue. You don't mention whether your car has an automatic or manual transmission, I can offer a tip to you, if it's a stick. When you get ready to start the job, and if you want to get the valves in the "closed" position, with the tension off the springs, lift the rear of the car, so the wheels aren't touching the ground, Pop it into gear, then use your hands to turn the rear tires, which will, in turn, rotate the engine.

 

Wow!! Think I'll stick to the button. Thanks

 

If you take the plugs out and put the trans in neutral, you may be able to turn the engine over from the alternator hub. A push button won’t get you as precise position as you will need.

Are you sure how to determine TDC compression stroke?

Here’s instructions on doing the rockers in order:

 

Are you replacing the rocker bushings, or the rockers themselves?

 

Thank you, that will save alot of time, I was under the impression I had to do each rocker individually..

 

Replacing the rockers and push rods. Michigan speed has a good set, new castings with the CORRECT bearings and bushings, kit also includes new bolts.

 

Those are not OEM bearings, they’re bronze bushings. Just for fun read up on BTR V2 needle bearings and CHE full floating bearing.

 

I just installed the new style BTR V2 trunnions before leaving Michigan for Florida. Approx 2,000 miles, and all seems well, but you never know unless you pull the trunnions to visually inspect. It slightly quieted my valvetrain compared to my old Comp downgrade, whish was worn several thousandths. So at least now my axles aren't puking metallic particles all thru my engine......

 

FWIW, when I first switched from the OE trunnions to the Comp Cams trunnions, I didn't notice much difference in the noise level. But when I installed the Straub Technology bushings, things really quieted down........

 

Thanks guys, I have been enlightened!