Any Tips/Hints in Rocker Arm install
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,269
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From: Mililani HI
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 110
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From: Medina TN
Just had Y/T's installed on my car this week along with new heads, cam etc.
A lot of guys just bolt them straight on without checking the rockers wipe pattern on the valve stem tip to see if the included shims are needed. There's a chance you may need no shims at all but from most installs I've read about you will likely need to shim them. In some cases the included shims aren't the correct thickness and proper ones have to be sourced.
Unfortunately if you have to use the shims it means you'll likely need different length pushrods (longer) to maintain correct lifter preload as well.
But from what little i've heard from mine with the Y/T's (I pick up the car from the shop tommorow) they do seem to be quieter than the oe rockers. I'll get a better sense of them after I get the car back.
A lot of guys just bolt them straight on without checking the rockers wipe pattern on the valve stem tip to see if the included shims are needed. There's a chance you may need no shims at all but from most installs I've read about you will likely need to shim them. In some cases the included shims aren't the correct thickness and proper ones have to be sourced.
Unfortunately if you have to use the shims it means you'll likely need different length pushrods (longer) to maintain correct lifter preload as well.
But from what little i've heard from mine with the Y/T's (I pick up the car from the shop tommorow) they do seem to be quieter than the oe rockers. I'll get a better sense of them after I get the car back.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Medina TN
The Y/T's are considered bolt on's too...the problem is even the stockers have fairly poor wipe patterns. The benefit of the aftermarket rockers is that they allow you the option to maximize the wipe pattern through shimming which helps with valve guide wear etc...might even free up a pony or two. With the stockers there's really no way to shim them even though they could use it. In other words...don't fear the shims...embrace them. 
with all that said...many shops prefer the stockers. I know the shop I use the guys pretty knowledgable on valve trains as he use to work at Comp. Cams in Memphis. He says they tested the stockers on a fancy thing-a-ma-jig(can't remember what he called it) and found the stock rockers worked very well overall.
Since my new cam has such high lift though I felt it prudent to run the stouter roller rockers.
with all that said...many shops prefer the stockers. I know the shop I use the guys pretty knowledgable on valve trains as he use to work at Comp. Cams in Memphis. He says they tested the stockers on a fancy thing-a-ma-jig(can't remember what he called it) and found the stock rockers worked very well overall.
Since my new cam has such high lift though I felt it prudent to run the stouter roller rockers.
Last edited by KenWH; Aug 22, 2008 at 05:39 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Upstate NY, South FL
the above is great advice, but unless they are way off (I doubt they will be), dont even mess with the shims/pushrods.
the two sets of YTs ive installed did not need shimming. both ls2 cars
the two sets of YTs ive installed did not need shimming. both ls2 cars
