Harlan Sharp Rocker Arm Mod, possible issue
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Harlan Sharp Rocker Arm Mod, possible issue So, this week has been one issue after another. Not thinking that the rocker arm mod would be any problem, I didn't bother fully checking my rocker arms when I first took them off the motor last monday. Well today as I'm buttoning everything up, I noticed that a lot of my rocker arms bind when spinning them. It feels like the bearings inside are all f'ed up, and bind and catch when trying to spin the rocker arm. It feels like something is catching inside the bearing, like there is sand in it or something....which there isn't, just how it feels. I tried cleaning it out with some break clean, and then dipping them in oil, but the binding still occurs.
These are stock LS7 rocker arms with the Harlan Sharp mod done to them. Has anyone else found any problems with their rocker arms after this mod? This is very discouraging to me, and I'm not entirely sure what to do. They have about 8K miles on them. and only two or three still continue to spin freely.
Suggestions?
These are stock LS7 rocker arms with the Harlan Sharp mod done to them. Has anyone else found any problems with their rocker arms after this mod? This is very discouraging to me, and I'm not entirely sure what to do. They have about 8K miles on them. and only two or three still continue to spin freely.
Suggestions?
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Thats what I'm leaning towards, I wonder if I'm the first in the nation to have problems with the rockers lol.
Are there any other bolt on after market LS7 rockers? I remember there being a post about this a while ago, but I can't dig it up...
Thanks.
Are there any other bolt on after market LS7 rockers? I remember there being a post about this a while ago, but I can't dig it up...
Thanks.
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Nope not the first, I think I was the first, but never posted. When I spoke to Harland and looked into the rocker failure and said that the trunion metal was not the grade strength that they had purchased to build these rockers. They made sure the grade metal they ordered is what was recieved to fix my rockers. This happened about six months ago. They good guys and they took care fo me.
One of my good friends had to run taller valve covers with the Harland Sharp modified rockers on his LS7. Otherwise they would hit. He's running a higher lift cam than stock (.650") so that could make a difference.
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2013 Corvette Grand Sport A6 LME forged 416, Greg Good ported TFS 255 LS3 heads, 222/242 .629"/.604" 121LSA Pat G blower cam, ARH 1 7/8" headers, ESC Novi 1500 Supercharger w/8 rib direct drive conversion, 747rwhp/709rwtq on 93 octane, 801rwhp/735rwtq on race fuel, 10.1 @ 147.25mph 1/4 mile, 174.7mph Half Mile.
2016 Corvette Z51 M7 Magnuson Heartbeat 2300 supercharger, TSP LT headers, Pat G tuned, 667rwhp, 662rwtq, 191mph TX Mile.
2009.5 Pontiac G8 GT 6.0L, A6, AFR 230v2 heads. 506rwhp/442rwtq. 11.413 @ 121.29mph 1/4 mile, 168.7mph TX Mile
2000 Pewter Ram Air Trans Am M6 heads/cam 508 rwhp/445 rwtq SAE, 183.092 TX Mile
2022 Cadillac Escalade 6.2L A10 S&B CAI, Corsa catback.
2023 Corvette 3LT Z51 soon to be modified.
Custom LSX tuning in person or via email press here.
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For an update guys, I got a hold of Mike at the shop, they are taking care of me, and he was very eager to get a hold of my rockers to see what the problem is. They will be sending me a rebuilt set, they are really awesome guys.
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Not really sure why he had to run taller valve covers with the modified rockers, their install height doesn't change, but the higher lift could post a problem. I've been running modified LS1 valvecovers (baffles ground out) and there was no fitment issues with mine and i'm running .650+ lifts. I do though have a set of LS7 valve covers that I was going to put on, so thanks for the heads up, I will have to check my clearances, because there is an oil shield that extends the entire length on the underside of the cover, where I could foresee a problem with higher lift cams.
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Oh yea, he just thinks that it was a problem with running synthetic motor oil, and not regular oil to break-in the bearings on the rockers. Also, when I had ordered them originally, the bearings came dry, but now they have them packed with break-in grease, plus now I'm running VR1 racing oil with more ZDDP additive, since it supposably runs well in a daily driver situation, and has lots of the anti-scuff properties.
They quickly sent replacements, and so far so good, I will be pulling them off again at 3K miles, and see how they're holding up. Hopefully my cam just isn't too hard on them.
They quickly sent replacements, and so far so good, I will be pulling them off again at 3K miles, and see how they're holding up. Hopefully my cam just isn't too hard on them.
Thanx, that's good to hear. I was planning on some dino break in oil followed by something that will help to soften up bird eggs anyway. I doubt you'll have any problems this time, but keep us updated!
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I would highly recommend the mod, they're very stout! Do make sure you check over all the rocker arms and ensure that all the c-clips are in place before you install them. I've learned my lesson..... 
As far as the LS7 valve covers, it is true, i had to modify them by hammering the inside aluminum baffle to get the clearance needed.
Also, I noticed that the allen screws they supply with the rocker arms don't have as much clearance for lift as the regular rocker arm bolts. I'm using the rocker arm bolts right now myself. The ones they supply have a fatter head, so if you're running a decent size lift that would be something to keep an eye on.
As far as the LS7 valve covers, it is true, i had to modify them by hammering the inside aluminum baffle to get the clearance needed.
Also, I noticed that the allen screws they supply with the rocker arms don't have as much clearance for lift as the regular rocker arm bolts. I'm using the rocker arm bolts right now myself. The ones they supply have a fatter head, so if you're running a decent size lift that would be something to keep an eye on.
I would highly recommend the mod, they're very stout! Do make sure you check over all the rocker arms and ensure that all the c-clips are in place before you install them. I've learned my lesson.....
As far as the LS7 valve covers, it is true, i had to modify them by hammering the inside aluminum baffle to get the clearance needed.
Also, I noticed that the allen screws they supply with the rocker arms don't have as much clearance for lift as the regular rocker arm bolts. I'm using the rocker arm bolts right now myself. The ones they supply have a fatter head, so if you're running a decent size lift that would be something to keep an eye on.
As far as the LS7 valve covers, it is true, i had to modify them by hammering the inside aluminum baffle to get the clearance needed.
Also, I noticed that the allen screws they supply with the rocker arms don't have as much clearance for lift as the regular rocker arm bolts. I'm using the rocker arm bolts right now myself. The ones they supply have a fatter head, so if you're running a decent size lift that would be something to keep an eye on.
Hmm. I am running more lift than you and I didn't notice any problems. I will double check when I get everything back together. Thanks for the heads up though..
Harland Sharp I have had the same problem where the rocker arms modified by Harland Sharp seized on my 402 LS2. I have sent them back to HS and they will be re-building them. The reason for the seizing is that the trunnion was not tool steel and the bearing is now a full complement bearing. They are a good company to deal with and stand behind their product.
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I would definitely check on it, it will be close. I noticed it when turning over my motor when tightening down the rocker arms, the supplied allen bolts just came really close to the inside of the rocker at max lift, and to be safe I decided to run the stock bolts as they provided much more clearance.
