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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 12:15 AM
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Default Rocker choices

so i am in the research stage of my build. i have some of the parts pulled together and other parts are still on order. list of mods as follows.

98 ls1/t-56
Tsp Torquer v3 cam
ls7 lifters/ new trays
ls2 timing chain
melling oil pump
TEA Stage 2 243s

i still have alot of parts to buy.

that being said i need a set of rockers.
i have read that stock rockers are only good to .550 lift. i dont want excess wear on my valve train if i can avoid it.

what is a good rocker set to go with? would roller rockers be the way to go?
i know that this cam will beat on the springs as it is, hince why i dont want as more wear if can prevent it?

Thanks
Walker

Last edited by WTR's camaro; Apr 21, 2013 at 06:04 AM.
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 12:35 AM
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this is true. past .550" the tip of the rocker arm actually drags across the tip of the valve which results in side loading, increased valvetrain friction, etc. becomes problematic when using bronze valve guides especially because that side loading causes accelerated wear.

you've got two choices, really.

1) stock style rockers with some sort of trunion bearing upgrade. there are a lot of manufacturers now supplying what is essentially the same kit, not really much of a difference between them, and none of them address the side loading issue. CHE is different in that they make a bushing kit that does away with the bearings altogether, but they are obscenely expensive for what you get in my opinion. That being said, lots of guys get by using them with no problems.

2) Yella terra roller rockers. Unless you have the coin to drop on a set of jessel's, YT are the only reasonably priced roller rockers available (in the stock ls1 1.7 ratio). They address the bearing issue and the side loading issue, but are slightly heavier than stock and have had a checkered past as far as failures goes. The latest design revision supposedly has done away with these failures, but time will tell I suppose. They are rated for 500 lbs open spring pressure.

Regardless of what you buy, proper valvetrain geometry is absolutely critical in maintaining any kind of reliability. This means checking your rocker wipe patterns, measuring for push rod length, and checking that your springs do not bind at peak lift.
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 02:11 AM
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Pretty solid rundown by ck.

I am still undecided. YTs or just what I have. If they look good, no trunion upgrade and go. If they look like they need some help, I might just buy new ones or maybe go with CHE...
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 02:11 AM
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I have stock rockers with trunion mod from harland sharp. That's what I would recommend the mod by harland sharp at least. I would not use stock rockers without the mod.Don't take chances.ck covered it.
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 06:11 AM
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Thanks for the input. i have been doing so much research on this build, i have a long way to go. but knowing the right direction to head is key. i want to do it the right way the first time so i dont have to fix it a second time. it looks like yella T is the way to go. ill be having a local shop help me get all the geo right as i still a bit of a nooby.

Thanks
Walker
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 08:14 AM
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I have always sided on roller rockers. There a little heavier, but decreased friction and less strain on parts.
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 04:02 PM
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WITHOUT going too $$, CHE seems to be the ticket. Do you want to chance failure prone YT $400 (whatever they cost) VS. CHEs $600 (you send in the cores)? Is $200.oo really worth "chancing it"?
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 04:02 PM
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WTR's Camaro,

How about some pics of your build? Thread started yet?
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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 12:21 AM
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i only have pics of parts scattered everywhere. i deployed right now so im in a research stage. when i start tearing it apart i will start a thread.
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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 07:46 PM
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Scorpion.




$330 shipped to my door.

Frank

Last edited by showvette; Apr 22, 2013 at 07:53 PM.
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