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So when I had my BTR Stage 1 cam installed about the only thing that wasn't replaced were the rocker arms. I'm going just take a stab at this and say these are the needle bearings from one of my old rocker arms, correct? Does anyone have the part number for stock rockers for my 2008 LS3? I'm thinking they need replacing. The car runs fine, just a little choppy.
No. I would replace all the needle bearings with CHE bushings. You push the needle bearings out of the stock rocker arms and press the CHE bronze bushings back into the original stock rocker arms.
I had access to an arbor press which made the job simple.
I would be more worried about how many other loose needle bearing parts are running through your engine.
I suppose you could count all the needle bearing rods to determine if any are missing.
Yes I understand. But do I need to buy all new bolts and the pedestals when I put the rocker arms back on the heads or can i just re-use the old parts?
No. I would replace all the needle bearings with CHE bushings. You push the needle bearings out of the stock rocker arms and press the CHE bronze bushings back into the original stock rocker arms.
I had access to an arbor press which made the job simple.
I would be more worried about how many other loose needle bearing parts are running through your engine.
I suppose you could count all the needle bearing rods to determine if any are missing.
Most likely only one needle bearing failed.
I could be wrong, but I don't think the CHE rocker arm bushings are available by themselves. The bushings come in a kit with new trunions so you use the new trunions with the stock rocker arms. At least that is what I put in my LS7. The engine runs quite a bit quieter with these bushings installed. Oil pressure seems little changed. CHE Trunion Kit
Last edited by ClothSeats; Oct 22, 2021 at 10:06 AM.
As long as you have confidence that no mullet over torqued the hold down bolts, there is no need to replace them. They're only torqued to 22'#'s. If you are unsure of the history, I'd replace them. They're fairly inexpensive if memory serves.
Ok so due to a lot of issues I decided to just go with stock GM rocker arms. I bought a complete set of new rocker arms and bolts. I have everything installed and ready to put in the new oil.
There was only one broken rocker exhaust on number 7 cylinder. I believe it was broken for a while. I think I have most of the needle bearings collected from the old oil and what was in the head. Should I dump a gallon of kerosene into the engine to see if there are any more needle bearings in the oil pan or what do you think?
Ok so due to a lot of issues I decided to just go with stock GM rocker arms. I bought a complete set of new rocker arms and bolts. I have everything installed and ready to put in the new oil.
There was only one broken rocker exhaust on number 7 cylinder. I believe it was broken for a while. I think I have most of the needle bearings collected from the old oil and what was in the head. Should I dump a gallon of kerosene into the engine to see if there are any more needle bearings in the oil pan or what do you think?
When I had a lifter let-go a piece of the skirt broke-off and was missing. I used a long (Milwaukie) inspection camera w light (and monitor) and found it trapped on the windage tray. Which was fairly simple to retrieve.
Needle bearings are quite a bit smaller and harder to see I'd imagine..but might be worth a shot if any are missing from the toasted rocker.
Something like this is dirt cheap and fits thru small openings like spark plug holes etc. If nothing else...for peace of mind.
Rocker arm
