Roller Rocker Arms

[bigge31566]

What would be a good set of roller rocker arms for a 350 with approx 425 hp, Ive looked at Comp Cam high energy and the Summit Racing brand rockers, I dont wont break the bank but I would like to have something that will work

 

[MikeB]

If you go the roller rocker route, go all the way and get some with roller trunions. Chevy LS engines use roller trunions without roller tips, because GM knows roller tips don't do anything except wear a groove in the valve stem tip.

With a Comp High Energy cam, you don't have high spring pressure, so I'd say just about any name brand roller rocker would do. But personally I'd use some Crane Nitro Carb stamped steel rockers -- probably the best stamped rockers available, and known for their accurate ratios.

http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/148-0207-crane-1-6-stamped-rockers/

The article mentions 1.6 rockers, but if all you need is 1.5, here you go: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/crn-11801c-16

Self-aligning versions are also available.

 

[bucket]

If spending money on a new set of rockers, why not just spend a few bucks more and get full rollers? I know the Comp stamped rockers are better than stock, but that's not saying much.

 

[bigge31566]

I also looked at the Comp Cam ultra pro mag 1602, the problem Im having is the rollers I have now are too wide meaty and hitting the valve spring retainer, seems like alll the aluminum ones are too wide

 

[MikeB]

I also looked at the Comp Cam ultra pro mag 1602, the problem Im having is the rollers I have now are too wide meaty and hitting the valve spring retainer, seems like alll the aluminum ones are too wide

I must have have been thinking of another thread, because I thought you said you had a Comp HE cam, which would use 1.25" OD valve springs. What is your spring OD?

 

[bigge31566]

I'm not sure of the springs what exactly they are but they measures 1.4 compressed

 

[MikeB]

I'm not sure of the springs what exactly they are but they measures 1.4 compressed

A key dimension for rocker arm clearance is retainer diameter. It's been my experience that most roller rockers will clear the retainers used with 1.25" and 1.43" diameter springs. You probably have larger diameter springs. Either that or offset locks that raise the retainer on the valve stem (meaning the valve stem does not stick up very much above the retainer).

Looks like the Ultra Pro Magnums will work, even though it may not be necessary to spend that much. However, they certainly appear to be well made.

 

[bigge31566]

Not wanting to spend that much neither but I think steel roller rocker arm will give the clearance and see where brands like PRW are almost as high

 

[Green79Scottsdale]

Not wanting to spend that much neither but I think steel roller rocker arm will give the clearance and see where brands like PRW are almost as high

What kind of rpm's do you normally turn? If you are not turning high rpm's, some steel roller rockers should be just fine. I have been following some on ebay that are in the $130-$170 range for a full set. Admittedly, they are NOT name brand, so everyone will tell you to stay away from them, but steel roller rockers start around $300 at Summit.

Here are a couple of links...
1.5 ratio... http://www.ebay.com/itm/181901023857?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

1.6 ratio... http://www.ebay.com/itm/330546224619?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

There are a ton of these on ebay, just do a search for sbc roller rockers. The two links I posted were just ones I put on my watch list.

 

[MikeB]

What kind of rpm's do you normally turn? If you are not turning high rpm's, some steel roller rockers should be just fine. I have been following some on ebay that are in the $130-$170 range for a full set. Admittedly, they are NOT name brand, so everyone will tell you to stay away from them, but steel roller rockers start around $300 at Summit.

Gotta wonder how good those rockers can be at that price. Many of us have seen Chinese tools snap in half, and poorly machined cylinder heads with high porosity castings. I'd sure hate to have a low cost trunion needle bearing fall apart. Save $150 and trash an engine!

If price is a consideration, then it's best to use a quality stamped steel rocker like The Crane Nitro-carb. And I doubt you or a dyno would notice the difference.

 

[bigge31566]

I decided to go with Comp Cam ultra pro magnum steel rollers, probably sell Chevrolet rollers since only ran 30 minutes, Thanks guys for the advice

 

[Green79Scottsdale]

Gotta wonder how good those rockers can be at that price. Many of us have seen Chinese tools snap in half, and poorly machined cylinder heads with high porosity castings. I'd sure hate to have a low cost trunion needle bearing fall apart. Save $150 and trash an engine!

If price is a consideration, then it's best to use a quality stamped steel rocker like The Crane Nitro-carb. And I doubt you or a dyno would notice the difference.

I completely agree about price vs potential catastrophe. OP was looking for cheaper so offered those choices. Looks he went a goocd route in the end.

 

[likesoldtrucks]

Other than loss of rocker ratio is the upgrade worth the 10hp?
425 horse pretty snappy to begin with.
Which heads do you have?