Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!

rocker arms

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-04-2023, 09:21 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
1984raw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
rocker arms

So i have OEM Rockers arms on my SBC rebuilt heads can i used the same rocker arms or should i get rocker rollers arms instead. I'm running hydraulics cam with lifters thank you
Old 11-04-2023, 09:41 AM
  #2  
Member

 
roadthrills's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Northern Arkansas
Posts: 406
Received 69 Likes on 47 Posts
Car: 1982 MSE, 1988 S10 Blazer
Engine: 305 in both!
Transmission: 200c / Th700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:73 / 3.42
Re: rocker arms

There is a little reduced friction by using roller TIP rockers. And even less friction if you move on to a full roller rocker. But that's not why most folks go that route. The REAL benefit is the increased accuracy of a nice set of rocker arms VS the oem stamped steel units. You can really take full advantage of the camshaft profile when ALL your rocker arms are at the correct ratio.
Old 11-04-2023, 11:28 AM
  #3  
Supreme Member

 
ULTM8Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,035
Received 193 Likes on 167 Posts
Re: rocker arms

Agreed. If you're going to do it, go full roller to get maximum benefit.
Old 11-06-2023, 02:58 PM
  #4  
Moderator

 
AlkyIROC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Posts: 17,119
Likes: 0
Received 123 Likes on 104 Posts
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: rocker arms

For a basic daily driver, the stock, stamped rockers will work fine however, upgrading as mentioned above is well worth it. Stock, stamped steel rockers are not very accurate. You don't need to spend $$$ on high end roller rockers but I also wouldn't recommend going the inexpensive route and buying the cheapest roller rockers you can find.

When buying new rockers make sure they are for the proper stud size. 3/8" is most common for SBC. Do you need self aligning rockers or not? Since you will be buying rockers, might as well bump up the ratio at the same time from the stock 1.5 to 1.6. This will give you slightly more lift. 1.5 and 1.6 rockers are probably close to or are the same price.
Old 11-07-2023, 11:36 AM
  #5  
Supreme Member

 
midias's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Henrietta NY
Posts: 4,373
Received 189 Likes on 149 Posts
Car: 1984 Trans Am L69
Engine: Sniper EFI Powered 355
Transmission: WC T5 w/ Steel Support Plate
Axle/Gears: 3.42 10 Bolt Posi
Re: rocker arms

comp cams high energy RRs are a nice budget option
Old 11-07-2023, 07:50 PM
  #6  
Moderator

 
Vader's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,365
Received 219 Likes on 179 Posts
Re: rocker arms

You people and your exotic alloys, anti-friction stuff, and custom lengths are just complicating things. My rocker arms have lasted a lot longer than the majority of all those "special" types, and are made entirely of wood. Estimating the ratio is a little difficult, however.


The following users liked this post:
T.L. (11-07-2023)
Old 11-07-2023, 08:36 PM
  #7  
Supreme Member

 
tom3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: So. Ohio
Posts: 2,269
Received 84 Likes on 77 Posts
Car: 88 Camaro
Engine: L98 350
Transmission: 700r4
Re: rocker arms

And double check that if you do buy roller rockers they'll with the center bolt rocker covers and self align if needed.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Dyno Don
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
0
05-12-2020 12:07 PM
bluechevy194
TBI
5
12-08-2005 02:10 PM
Berlinetta00
Aftermarket Product Review
2
12-13-2002 09:52 PM



Quick Reply: rocker arms



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:11 PM.