1.8 rockers question
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 302
Likes: 9
From: Pa
1.8 rockers question I have an 01 Trans Am mods in sig. I don't want a cam I'm content. However I see the 1.8 rockers being a viable option for under $500. Summit brand and LS6 springs. I already Have a Frost mail order tune. I figure to get the most out of it I should probably have it sent back out. Was wondering has anyone done this mod and was happy with the results. I figured for 15-20 horse how could it hurt. Any opinions would be appreciated.
I gained 4hp on the change from 1.7 to 1.8 on my ls6. I could see a ls1 picking up a bit more because their cam is lower lift. There is a very good mid range gain. Do not underestimate what that can do for acceleration.
JMO. CAM IT. 40 to 70 hp. That's a lot to give away. The factory cams are weak. That's why Gm made it so easy to change a cam. I do like the 1.8's though if you think the new cam needs something more, slight duration and lift but the 1.8's are less reliable.
I've had my 1.8s on since 2012 with no problems. For someone wanting a mild upgrade that and a set of springs are worth it imo.
Done right a solid bolt on car will take out a whole pile of just throw a cam it it cars
Done right a solid bolt on car will take out a whole pile of just throw a cam it it cars
Full disclosure, I've still got 1.7 rockers.
But, here is some food for thought. To really do a cam swap properly, you're at least going to need fluids and gaskets. Very often, you create a previously non-existent leak at the front cover, probably upgrade timing chain. If you do anything other than a cam motion drop-in, you'll need springs, pushrods, all this starts to add up.
You do a good set of rockers, you can get a bit more midrange, which your butt dyno will feel. Not very invasive, no extra expenses. Not even a change in driveability. pull valve covers, replace rockers, install valve covers. That's why it's a bolt on.
If you're just wanting a simple upgrade, it's not a bad one.
But, here is some food for thought. To really do a cam swap properly, you're at least going to need fluids and gaskets. Very often, you create a previously non-existent leak at the front cover, probably upgrade timing chain. If you do anything other than a cam motion drop-in, you'll need springs, pushrods, all this starts to add up.
You do a good set of rockers, you can get a bit more midrange, which your butt dyno will feel. Not very invasive, no extra expenses. Not even a change in driveability. pull valve covers, replace rockers, install valve covers. That's why it's a bolt on.
If you're just wanting a simple upgrade, it's not a bad one.
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12 Second Club
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,273
Likes: 0
From: Bucks County, Pa.
At what engine mileage are you 'throwing away' a brand new cam without changing out the cam bearings (NONE of the shops around here are willing to do a cam swap without also dropping the WHOLE engine to do cam bearings at the same time. 
)
) 
TECH Addict
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 126
From: Monroe,NY
Sound like someone is trying to rip you off. Sucks when shops do that. How would you even know if they changed the cam bearings after everything is buttoned up.
12 Second Club
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,273
Likes: 0
From: Bucks County, Pa.
IF Turn Key gave me one of their LS6 crates with at least the LS6 intake on top for the $5500.00 they get for them, it would be in the car already.
Given how everyone on here, and their great grand aunts seem COMPELLED to push BIG boost numbers or crazy levels of spray through their LS6 intakes, I DO NOT trust the used ones for sale, on here, or anywhere else.
12 Second Club
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,273
Likes: 0
From: Bucks County, Pa.
IF GM/Chevy PP sold them with the 24T reluctors already on their cranks (instead of the FULL bottom end rebuild most shops want to charge for changing it out), one would be in this car by now as well!! 
I've heard too many horror stories to even begin to trust the Lingenfelter conversion box.
I've heard too many horror stories to even begin to trust the Lingenfelter conversion box.
Yes, EXACTLY, which is why I am leaning more and more towards a good, low mile used deal, or a mild crate engine.
IF Turn Key gave me one of their LS6 crates with at least the LS6 intake on top for the $5500.00 they get for them, it would be in the car already.
Given how everyone on here, and their great grand aunts seem COMPELLED to push BIG boost numbers or crazy levels of spray through their LS6 intakes, I DO NOT trust the used ones for sale, on here, or anywhere else.
IF Turn Key gave me one of their LS6 crates with at least the LS6 intake on top for the $5500.00 they get for them, it would be in the car already.
Given how everyone on here, and their great grand aunts seem COMPELLED to push BIG boost numbers or crazy levels of spray through their LS6 intakes, I DO NOT trust the used ones for sale, on here, or anywhere else.