Rocker Arm upgrade guidance needed - Lateral-g Forums

zz430droptop67rs · #1 03-02-2015, 01:28 PM

Well, I'm using the GM 1.6 self aligning rollers on my ZZ430.

They are 3/8 studs.

They clear the center bolt covers no problem.

I have been using them for about 14 years and still going strong.

SSLance · #2 03-02-2015, 02:06 PM

Thanks Don. Those aren't Vortec heads on that engine though, are they? not sure if that makes a difference or not.

Good to know the GM rockers are doing well though.

Che70velle · #3 03-02-2015, 02:37 PM

Lance, I've used the vortech head on a couple of engines, and they are 3/8" studs. As far as rocker upgrades, it's a great idea to go to the 1.6's, but I'm not gonna dare recommend one over the other, because I don't know what fits the center mount valve covers. I like the ultra pro mags, simply for the weight out over the spring. I welded tabs on my heads to utilize perimeter bolt valve covers, because I went with Crower shaft mount rockers. These were race engines, for a steel headed circle track class. Again, I'm no help...

zz430droptop67rs · #4 03-02-2015, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSLance

Thanks Don. Those aren't Vortec heads on that engine though, are they? not sure if that makes a difference or not.

Good to know the GM rockers are doing well though.

Lance, they are Fastburn heads which are basically aluminum Vortecs.

SSLance · #5 03-02-2015, 03:30 PM

Thanks guys... What about Chrome Molly Steel vs aluminum rockers on basically a street engine that gets run hard on occasion at the track?

Should this be a concern for me?

**Schwartz Perf** · #6 03-02-2015, 03:49 PM

FWIW,
I have 1.6 aluminum Proform rockers on my 406 w/vortec heads. It's a solid roller and I have beat it up pretty hard, no failures in the last 9+ years it's been running.
I believe mine were 3/8. I have taller valve covers on them. I do believe they hit the valve cover at the corners (front & rear) so I had to grind them down a little where their square edge is. I suppose this can change based on the exact valve cover used.. Mine were some billet aluminum ones.

-Dale

TheJDMan · #7 03-02-2015, 07:56 PM

Lance, I recommend Harland Sharp roller rockers. I have been running the same set for 30 years and have not had a single valve train related problem.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cs...make/chevrolet

But please, before you switch ratios check your valve to piston clearance and also your valve springs for coil bind! Going from 1.5 to 1.6 will make the valves open further so you need to make sure the valves are not going to hit and springs are not going to bind. Don't rely on what some magazine says will work, they are not going to fix your engine if it goes wrong. I would hate to see you install 1.6 rockers only to bend some valves or break some springs and be sidelined for the season from engine damage. It can get pretty expensive to repair that damage.

**GregWeld** · #8 03-03-2015, 06:06 AM

Lance ---

I think I have a couple sets of 1.6's that will forever be un-used..... and since they're not the self guided --- they would require "guide plates" which I think I also have a couple sets of -- If you'd like -- you'd have to wait until I'm home from my trip to the USCA event and I'll check to see what's laying around and they'd be FREE to you if you wanted to use them.

What you'd then need to find out is if your heads will take guide plates.