C6 Rocker arm failure
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 162
Likes: 33
From: Sparks Nevada
C6 Rocker arm failure
My 2011 GS with 120+K miles just suffered the dreaded needle bearing failure on one rocker arm. Car is procharged and had the engine completely rebuilt (stroked to 416, Callies crank and rods, Mahle pistons, all ARP fasteners, etc.) + upgraded cooling system, rebuilt torque tube, new clutch at 80K (4 yrs ago). At the time, the consensus was that the rocker arms were in good shape. FYI I tend to drive the car fast but I don't flog on it....it's built for touring. Pretty confident that we got all the debris out of the engine with no real visible damage...most of the needles were still in the head. I got it shut down very quickly. After doing some research it appears that GM is aware that these rocker arms are a known failure point with high mileage and/or high lift cams: I had both. Replaced everything with the improved comp cams trunnions/rocker arms with sealed bearings and have flushed the engine oil three times + filters.... no debris. Looks like I might have escaped any really serious fallout.
BE AWARE!!
BE AWARE!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,514
Likes: 1,166
From: Northern Wisconsin
I assume that since you have a high lift cam, you also have stiff valve springs. That increases load on the rocker arm needle bearings and probably contributed to your failure. I have heard many reports that the Comp Cams bushing-type trunnions are subject to wear and failure as well. I have seen reports of better results with the CHE trunnions, particularly from AHP, so I installed the CHE trunnions in my LS7. The bushing-type trunnions definitely run quieter than the needle bearings. I bet you can tell the difference.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
Likes: 3,151
From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
This needle bearing failure of the stock LS rocker arms has been going on for a long long time. I had a 1998 Pontiac Trans Am with the LS1 engine. At about 20,000 the needle bearings fell out of one of the rocker arms. I found some in the cylinder head and the rest stuck to the oil pan drain bolt over time (it's magnetic).
In my 2011 GS, I was going to replace the OEM rocker arm trunnions with the bushing type, but have read reports of the bushings wearing over time.
So, I replaced the OEM rocker arms with Comp Cams full roller rocker arms. They also have needle bearings, but the way they are made, the needle bearings cannot fall out of them.
In my 2011 GS, I was going to replace the OEM rocker arm trunnions with the bushing type, but have read reports of the bushings wearing over time.
So, I replaced the OEM rocker arms with Comp Cams full roller rocker arms. They also have needle bearings, but the way they are made, the needle bearings cannot fall out of them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 1,685
From: Southeast TX
I consider rocker arms to be a wear item when using stiffer springs and higher lift cams. I've seen all kinds of problems with rocker arms with upgraded trunions....whether they be bushed or captured needle bearings. They all wear out. Don't assume that if you upgrade your rocker arms that you don't need to be vigilant and don't need to replace them on a regular basis.
I use stock LS3 rocker arms with BTR dual platinum springs and a .620 lift Cam Motion cam. I changed them out at 30K miles and they looked fine. I attribute that longevity to Cam Motion's soft ramp rates. Your cam choice matters.
I use stock LS3 rocker arms with BTR dual platinum springs and a .620 lift Cam Motion cam. I changed them out at 30K miles and they looked fine. I attribute that longevity to Cam Motion's soft ramp rates. Your cam choice matters.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,099
Likes: 1,270
From: Harbor City California
I assume that since you have a high lift cam, you also have stiff valve springs. That increases load on the rocker arm needle bearings and probably contributed to your failure. I have heard many reports that the Comp Cams bushing-type trunnions are subject to wear and failure as well. I have seen reports of better results with the CHE trunnions, particularly from AHP, so I installed the CHE trunnions in my LS7. The bushing-type trunnions definitely run quieter than the needle bearings. I bet you can tell the difference.
https://americanheritageperformance....s7-rocker-arms
In stock and ready to go if you need a set
https://americanheritageperformance.com/
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 74
Likes: 10
From: Collinsville,IL
$630 to downgrade to bronze bushings. No thanks.
I can not believe anyone would pay this. As silly as, " If you send a $20 gold coin with your GM rockers you will receive a $1 silver coin, you will need to pay for return shipping " , O o .
I could just buy a new set of Comp Cams rockers.
I can not believe anyone would pay this. As silly as, " If you send a $20 gold coin with your GM rockers you will receive a $1 silver coin, you will need to pay for return shipping " , O o .
I could just buy a new set of Comp Cams rockers.