Rocker arm clearance
11-19-2016, 03:40 PM
#1
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rocker arm clearance 
Installing my Harland sharp rockers on my 5.3 heads and was having clearance questions. When I first installed them tsp cut grooves in the heads to clearance, but not enough room to rock. The smallest gap of is at .010 with filler gauge do I need to clearance more then that or is that ok both rockers and heads are made of aluminum so shouldn't expand that much I figured
11-20-2016, 04:30 PM
#4
The aluminum will expand when heated up. I would want more clearance than .010
I have been told by a few builder the aluminum blocks expand as much as +.007
While that area of the head may not expand that much I would expect both the head and the rocker arm to grow some especially under high load.
I have been told by a few builder the aluminum blocks expand as much as +.007
While that area of the head may not expand that much I would expect both the head and the rocker arm to grow some especially under high load.
11-20-2016, 07:18 PM
#5
I just did this, albeit with LS9 heads so offset version of your rockers but same concept. You should clearance a LOT more. Good friend of mine had the same rockers and had one hang up and turn sideways. Valve was hanging open a bit and actually reverted into and melted the intake on that port. Check the valve covers very carefully, too. Usually they need clearancing also. I believe Harland Sharp calls for at least .030" clearance.
You can look at post #302 in my current build thread to see before and after of how much I cut away:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/cadillac-...new-me-16.html
You can look at post #302 in my current build thread to see before and after of how much I cut away:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/cadillac-...new-me-16.html