Good information Tim.

I probably should've titled it differently. I believe the kit from Straub could be a game changer based on price point if it holds up as well as the CHE mod.

Yes, if the Straub stuff is legit, it will be a game changer for sure. I'm glad this discussion is here, as most people aren't aware the of the technology.

Here's my first take on the comparision between the 2 bushing upgrade kits:

The CHE kit uses a spiral lock clip instead of a snap ring like the Straub kit.

The CHE trunion shaft is .709 vs .625 for Straub but this does make the bushing thinner than the Straub.

I still like the fact the Straub kit has oil grooves in the shaft

Both kits rotate very smoothly with vitually no drag, I honestly cannot tell the difference in resistance between the bushings and the needle bearing, but this is with no load so that could change.

When we pressed the bushings in flush with the outside of the rocker on the Straub kit there was .025" of axial movement of the shaft, so we machined up a fixture with a .01" step in it to press the bushing past the outside and closer to center which gave us .005" axial play and also makes it so the snap ring isn't trying to control the axial movement. I would like to see this bushing about .10" wider than it is but it's not the end of the world the way it is.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/...2.jpg~original

Is the new trunion upgrade going into the whipple motor? Please keep the updates coming.

We'll see how this works out on my engine first.

As Greg mentioned, there's a machinist near me that trues the tips on them. In talking with him on the last motor I dropped off, he did point out the main point of failure.. the lack of oil puddling at the top of the rocker. The factory rocker doesn't have a "cup" for oil to pool into and thus somewhat starves the bearing underneath. Nate, the machinist, is using the Smith Bros. trunnions, as he is thoroughly impressed with their quality. He's right at 420$, also.. but he trues the tip.. and that includes shipping. https://instagram.com/p/BBJHMcBwGQY/

That kit looks to be the same as the Straub kit. We're building a holding fixture to do the same thing to the tips of the rockers but I don't think that's why the needle bearing kits are failing.

Bump. Any updates?

Thanks for the link. I have the comp cam upgrade on my ls1 and will look into the bushing for the ls7. How long would you anticipate a bushing lasting?