LS3 Rocker Trunnion mod
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 1
From: SE, AZ
LS3 Rocker Trunnion mod Folks, it seems there are a lot of offerings for he LS3 rocker arm trunnion mods. What do I really need? Do I need the bolts or just this?
How about this one: https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/20920/10002/-1
Thanks
How about this one: https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/20920/10002/-1
Thanks
If you must change the trunnion setup, Id go with the BTR V2 setup. Personally, I've never had any issues with the OEM trunnions. When I went with the Comp "upgrade" (do not recommend the Comp setup!), the trunnion axles all galled considerably in less than 20,000 miles. So I went with the BTR V2s. No problems with the V2 BTRs...
I’ve used quite a few CHE kits and they are solid performers that hold up well. The newest CHE offering ties the pair of rockers together to add stability, as mentioned by MuhThugga. If you’re set on going aftermarket, that’s my choice hands down.
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
Personally I wouldn't get anything with needle bearings. I wouldn't consider that an upgrade.
I've seen where lately, there have been some people that have gotten different kits where a bearing has had missing needles. And then where does that leave you? Granted, you could bring it up with the vendor and resolve it, but why should you have to?
It's also another failure point with more moving parts. If you were to get the solid bronze or brass bushing type kit, I think that would work well. Just my 2ccs
I've talked with a couple major valve train vendors on the phone and they've also mentioned that the stock rockers and trunnions hold up just fine for most applications. But of course, that's why there are several selections out there!
Good luck.
I've seen where lately, there have been some people that have gotten different kits where a bearing has had missing needles. And then where does that leave you? Granted, you could bring it up with the vendor and resolve it, but why should you have to?
It's also another failure point with more moving parts. If you were to get the solid bronze or brass bushing type kit, I think that would work well. Just my 2ccs
I've talked with a couple major valve train vendors on the phone and they've also mentioned that the stock rockers and trunnions hold up just fine for most applications. But of course, that's why there are several selections out there!
Good luck.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 642
Likes: 300
From: Michigan
IMO CHE is the only way to go. I've put a lot of hard miles on CHE bushings and after inspecting them, they've shown no signs of needing replacement any time soon.
Cheap kits like the one you linked don't last long. I just pulled the same kit out of my TSP roller rockers and they had a lot of wear after 8k miles.
Cheap kits like the one you linked don't last long. I just pulled the same kit out of my TSP roller rockers and they had a lot of wear after 8k miles.
10 Second Club
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 195
From: Harford Co. Maryland
I have the CHE kit that looks like the one you posted from Jegs...not the one that ties the 2 rockers.
It's sitting on my workbench on the "to do list". Heard nothing but good about CHE kit.
It's sitting on my workbench on the "to do list". Heard nothing but good about CHE kit.
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I'm pretty well convinced that the high lift, high spring rates, and aggressive ramp rates have a whole lot to do with rocker arm wear. I've seen Che bushings have a lot of wear in just a few thousand miles when used with high lift and aggressive lobe styles. I've had good luck using Cam Motion cams, stock rocker arms, BTR platinum dual springs, and .620 max valve lift.
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Verdad Gallardo ^^^^^^^I agree with this.^^^^^^ There are always trade-offs. Bushings carry more load, but with increased friction, wear, and heat. Long term, PROPERLY ENGINEERED needles, which really are small diameter roller bearings, will be the best choice for most, which is why GM went that way. BUT, if you start running .650"+ lift, 250°+ duration cams, with 500lb+ springs, you're probably going to be inside the valve covers more often, anyway. So bushings may be the best choice in that application. My .02
Last edited by grinder11; Feb 21, 2026 at 02:29 PM.
Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 85
Likes: 32
From: Oyth
It is hard to tell from the pics, but the grooves I think I'm seeing look to be oil grooves that are machined into the bushings and trunnions, to help hold extra oil. Not seeing any wear grooves. Have you inspected the diameters, inner and outer, for any egg shaping or out of roundness?
I'm pretty well convinced that the high lift, high spring rates, and aggressive ramp rates have a whole lot to do with rocker arm wear. I've seen Che bushings have a lot of wear in just a few thousand miles when used with high lift and aggressive lobe styles. I've had good luck using Cam Motion cams, stock rocker arms, BTR platinum dual springs, and .620 max valve lift.
TECH Addict
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 101
From: Mefis
It is hard to tell from the pics, but the grooves I think I'm seeing look to be oil grooves that are machined into the bushings and trunnions, to help hold extra oil. Not seeing any wear grooves. Have you inspected the diameters, inner and outer, for any egg shaping or out of roundness?