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Headers or Roller Rockers?

Old Jun 23, 2006 | 12:14 PM
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Default Headers or Roller Rockers?

Well I want to do my next mod and im trying to decide what to do next. Either QTP long tubes or the crane gold series roller rockers. What would you guys do?
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Old Jun 23, 2006 | 12:16 PM
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Both, if you can afford it mate.

If not, then headers would be my choice.
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Old Jun 23, 2006 | 12:17 PM
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My vote goes for headers as well.
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Old Jun 23, 2006 | 12:21 PM
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I would vote for headers also... You'll see a lot more rwhp gain for the $. Roller rockers are more for strength, as people are only claiming maybe 10rwhp gain. I like the idea of not worrying about needle bearings getting in the bottom end when the stock rocker comes apart. Let us know which route you go, either way will be a good decision.
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Old Jun 23, 2006 | 12:23 PM
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Yea its double the gains and double the $ for the headers I cant get both now but im just gona get one or the other. Do roller rockers require any tunning?
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Old Jun 23, 2006 | 12:26 PM
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No they won't, but some are known to rub the valve covers, although I'm sure you are aware of that. I see a lot of people with stock rockers running big numbers, although running the risk of grenading a rocker. The rockers don't need tuning, but would recommend tuning for headers, my car's performance really changed after installing LT's with the hot cam... it just never ran the same. I didn't gain ANY ET or mph vs manifolds/y-pipe, so you may or may not need to get it tuned after headers. Just my .02.
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Old Jun 23, 2006 | 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by 67Firebird455
you may or may not need to get it tuned after headers. Just my .02.
Yea thats what ive been reading. Would that be a dyno tune or can someone do it with a efi live or one of those type of PC tunning.
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Old Jun 23, 2006 | 12:39 PM
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You'll need a wideband tune, better on a dyno, or on the street, either way, your choice. Don't "mail order" that... I tried, made NO difference at all in mph. They change the sound of the car SOOO much though, made it 10x louder than manifolds and cats. It's louder with the exhaust closed without cats, than it was with manifolds and cats with the cutout open. It should just be a basic dyno tune, shouldn't be too awful much, but well worth it.
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Old Jun 23, 2006 | 12:48 PM
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Good thing I have the plates for the exhaust to make it more quiet Haha yea I think I am going to lean toward those QTPs right now. Id rather feel the extra horses.
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Old Jun 23, 2006 | 12:48 PM
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Definately go with headers. IMO, rockers are something you do when you are either 1) needing to replace a set of damaged stock rocker arms, or 2) searching for every last horsepower out of a setup.

The headers will compliment everything that you do in the future to your car performance-wise.

I'll also recommend that if you are not seeking every last inch of power out of your vehicle no matter the cost, that you look at the other brands of headers out there. While QTP headers are very nice, you can spend half as much and still have a very nice header/ORY combo.

FWIW. On my 500+rwhp 408 setup, I have an old set of thunder racing 1 3/4" longtubes with a $125 TSP y-pipe (very similar to the pacesetter, flowtech, hooker, etc headers that are out now), and I run stock rocker-arms.
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Old Jun 23, 2006 | 12:51 PM
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Headers all the way, no contest.
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Old Jun 23, 2006 | 01:14 PM
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dont do rocker arms. many people with high #'s have stock rockers
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Old Jun 23, 2006 | 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by xaon
I'll also recommend that if you are not seeking every last inch of power out of your vehicle no matter the cost, that you look at the other brands of headers out there. While QTP headers are very nice, you can spend half as much and still have a very nice header/ORY combo.
I want the QTPs becuase they are known to be the best next to Kooks and I want to get what I pay for. I am also keeping cats on so I will be getting the QTP catted Y pipe. I have looked at all other brands but the QTPs attracted me the most. Best LS1 header making the most HP from what I know
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Old Jun 30, 2006 | 05:55 PM
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In my opinion, a stock cube motor won't have any significant difference between hooker super comps and qtps or kooks. And if you go with the super comps you may be able to afford those roller rockers as well. Let us know about the numbers either way and good luck!
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