Roller rockers vs. Cam
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
Roller rockers vs. Cam
i know it is really not an either or situation but i have this thing about my motor being "opened" up.. i like to stick with bolt ons for reliability and driveability. (and cost) can you swap roller rockers on the new
LS3's and allow the the duration of the stock cam to do more?? has anyone done this yet??
LS3's and allow the the duration of the stock cam to do more?? has anyone done this yet??
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 18
From: Missouri City Texas
You can add higher ratio rockers (ex: 1.85 rockers) to get more lift out of the stock cam.
Tuning for the increased lift I would assume you could get between 15-20rwhp depending on your other mods.
Tuning for the increased lift I would assume you could get between 15-20rwhp depending on your other mods.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi Texas
I did this on my LS2, added SLP's 1.85 rockers. IMO, the gains don't justify the cost. I felt the same as you but was let down by their performance. Now with the FAST intake, I had nice low to mid range torque but overall, a mild cam would be better IMO.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 4
From: Mililani HI
with everything stock you will not really feel the difference in a roller rocker only change and as bunk22 stated for the cost it is not worth it. To do the change it is recommended that you change out your valvetrain along with the roller rockers which makes the cost go up and if you do that you might as well change out your camshaft.I was like you and luckily I contacted bunk22 and he gave it to me straight and saved me a lot of money. I did go with the cam change and I did add Yella Terra 1.8 roller rockers, which I am totally satisfied with.
If you want to more power then I would suggest going with a ported SPIN FAST intake manifold and a ported throttle body, just the improved throttle response will put a huge grin on your face.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
i know you guys are right. the real way to go is add the cam.. i guess i am just going to have to get over the fear of someone "opening" my engine. it just seems everytime i get something done the car just is not put back 100% right the first time. now i have to decide gx1 or gx3.... parts and labor are the same.. it is all about power and driveability..
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi Texas
with everything stock you will not really feel the difference in a roller rocker only change and as bunk22 stated for the cost it is not worth it. To do the change it is recommended that you change out your valvetrain along with the roller rockers which makes the cost go up and if you do that you might as well change out your camshaft.I was like you and luckily I contacted bunk22 and he gave it to me straight and saved me a lot of money. I did go with the cam change and I did add Yella Terra 1.8 roller rockers, which I am totally satisfied with.
If you want to more power then I would suggest going with a ported SPIN FAST intake manifold and a ported throttle body, just the improved throttle response will put a huge grin on your face.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
yeah i would not mess with the heads or compression. i already have 3.90 gears so i think i can get away with a so called stage 2 or mid range cam.. something that will still have plenty of torque at 3,000 rpm and up my hp approx 40-50 at rear wheels.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 2
From: Carlsbad CA
i know you guys are right. the real way to go is add the cam.. i guess i am just going to have to get over the fear of someone "opening" my engine. it just seems everytime i get something done the car just is not put back 100% right the first time. now i have to decide gx1 or gx3.... parts and labor are the same.. it is all about power and driveability..
Just my .02, YMMV
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
i guess i should list my mods in the future to help get proper or more informed advise. to date i simply have a CAI, LT headers, Tune and 3.90 gears. with a 6 spd manual.i am making 425hp and 420tq to the rear wheels.. i am very pleased with the power and can run with a stock Z06. my goal is to add approximately 50 more rwhp so i can run with a stage 1 Z06.. so i guess i am of the opinion it would be very hard to get 50 more hp without opening the engine.. any ideas???
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 107
From: Opelika Alabama
i guess i should list my mods in the future to help get proper or more informed advise. to date i simply have a CAI, LT headers, Tune and 3.90 gears. with a 6 spd manual.i am making 425hp and 420tq to the rear wheels.. i am very pleased with the power and can run with a stock Z06. my goal is to add approximately 50 more rwhp so i can run with a stage 1 Z06.. so i guess i am of the opinion it would be very hard to get 50 more hp without opening the engine.. any ideas???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
i think i am making the same hp that everyone else seems to be making with the LS3's.. I started with 384hp and 369tq. the mods added 40hp and 50tq to the wheels... giving me 424.somthing on hp and 419.something on tq.. but with the 3.90 it sure feels like a lot 
it is the next 50 hp that is going to be tough or at least expensive...
it is the next 50 hp that is going to be tough or at least expensive...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 905
Likes: 0
From: BURTON MI
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 905
Likes: 0
From: BURTON MI
i think i am making the same hp that everyone else seems to be making with the LS3's.. I started with 384hp and 369tq. the mods added 40hp and 50tq to the wheels... giving me 424.somthing on hp and 419.something on tq.. but with the 3.90 it sure feels like a lot
it is the next 50 hp that is going to be tough or at least expensive...
it is the next 50 hp that is going to be tough or at least expensive...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
i am considering the following;
a very mild cam. the so called "hot cam" from gm supposed to add 50hp (which i seriously doubt) or a cam from LG motorsports. their gx1 (mild) or their gx2 (mid range). i want to add power everywhere!! peak numbers are useless. i want to add hp and tq from 2500 rpm thru 6500 rpm.. and my goal is 50 hp and 40tq..
a very mild cam. the so called "hot cam" from gm supposed to add 50hp (which i seriously doubt) or a cam from LG motorsports. their gx1 (mild) or their gx2 (mid range). i want to add power everywhere!! peak numbers are useless. i want to add hp and tq from 2500 rpm thru 6500 rpm.. and my goal is 50 hp and 40tq..
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,511
Likes: 22
From: Southern MD
It's a tough choice. Rocker Arms are pretty stealth, and give you 10-20 HP with minimal hassle. Problem is, it costs almost as much if not more than a cam. The other factor is how much a cam effects drivability. I have always thought a Vette seems weird sitting there loping away with a cam.