SonofaBish

iTrader: (5)

When i was looking for a cam, i noticed that most cams said that they were not for use with 1.8 rockers because of their aggressive ramp rate...
So why aren't you supposed to use 1.8 rockers? i guess what i'm asking is, what is the difference b/w 1.8's and 1.7s?

are there any gains to be had?

Predator

They're not recommended unless you get springs that can handle the lift. Ideally you want springs with extra headroom. I'll be using H-S 1.8 rockers which will give a lift of approximately .600 with my cam (TR224/224 .563/.563 112LSA), so I matched those rockers with PP dual springs rated at .650. Generally, more lift, more power.

SonofaBish

iTrader: (5)

hmm.. okay... well i have the same PP dual gold springs as you are saying... so would it be a worthwhile addition for me, being that i'm putting a new set of heads on soon anyhow (probably 5.3's - nothing too spectacular)

Predator

I would say so. Might be worth 10-15 hp. I can't think of any reason NOT to do it. JMO.

PREDATOR-Z

When going higher ratio,you are also changing geometry. Higher ratio rockers have be known to show signs of valvetrain float with steeper cam ramps.
It is not impossible to do, but lighter valves/springs /retainers (effective moving valvetrain mass) would help control those symtoms.

Gauge

iTrader: (3)

1.8's are harder on the pushrods/lifters, too, aren't they?

Predator

That's a valid point.

Gunnar hooked me up with lighter valves, Ti retainers, and his double springs. I'll be able to give a more definitive response when I actually install my LS6 heads and 1.8 rockers, but according to Gunnar, and on paper, this setup should work fine.

SonofaBish

iTrader: (5)

a little off-topic:

I've bought a set of 5.3's (862 castings) but haven't recieved them yet... One thing i forgot about is that my heads (241 castings) are center bolt right?? So, what does that mean as far as my valve covers go? Will the valve covers from my 241's bolt up to my 5.3's correctly?? i sure hope so.

am i going to have a change in Pushrod length do you think?

Quik

iTrader: (7)

you should be looking for 706 casting heads not those ones

wouldnt use 1.8. not worth the price for .030 in lift. the right size cam would do that for same or close to same price

and yes the covers are the same unless you ahve a 98 motor

SonofaBish

iTrader: (5)

what are 706? and what's wrong with those ones?

Quik

iTrader: (7)

706 are the newer versons of the 5.3s. just like 241s are the newer verson of the ls1 heads

Predator

He never said anything about wanting to change cams. Obviously you can get more lift with a bigger cam. He gave the impression that he was all set with the cam he has. This is a very old argument hashed and rehashed here over and over.

There have been good reports about H-S lifters, and they're not expensive at all. Guys have spent a lot more for 10-15 hp.

SonofaBish

iTrader: (5)

ok, so how about head gaskets.... i'm obviously keeping the stock motor and putting these 5.3's on... so what bore head gasket do i want, as well as thickness (stock? ~.052) and most importantly, wtf is the difference b/w the GM head gasket that is $30 for both (http://store.summitracing.com/partde...&view=32&N=115) which is supposed to be for '02-'04 only and the ones for the '97-'01 (http://www.ws6project.com/user_stor/...b5aa0ba61f8592) ... being i have an '01, its saying i can't buy the cheaper gm mls gasket

if you have a suggestion on a specific head gasket, throw up a link - i'd really appreciate it!

bigdsz

iTrader: (1)

The Summit gaskets are MLS, multi layered steel, .060". The other gaskets are the graphites .054. I prefer the graphites for better sealing and tighter squish. I didn't think there was much price difference between the gaskets. $82 for graphites sounds ridiculous, check some other vendors.

Quik

iTrader: (7)

if you look at .040 from comestic you can gain more SCR which would help your cam out