LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

1.7 rocker questions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-12-2012, 06:56 PM
  #1  
TECH Apprentice
Thread Starter
 
9D4Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Stow Ohio
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default 1.7 rocker questions

ok so i think i want to do rockers install. i have a 94 LT and i have cai, headers, and full exhaust. Ive been reading about rockers etc. at first i was gonna go 1.6s with lt4 springs. then i stumbled upon 1.7s, im not going to cam this car im on college and its my dd so i wont be re buying parts if i go 1.7s.

what exact kind of and brand 1.7 rockers should i get?
what springs should i get to accommodate the 1.7s?
do i need guide plates? if yes what kind?

thanks for all your help


Posted from LS1Tech.com App for Android
Old 06-12-2012, 07:24 PM
  #2  
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (1)
 
GreenBlood55's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Newark,DE
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Im no expert, but I would have to think that you would see more Gains from some other kind of mods with that same money then you would with just doing rockers and springs.

I could be wrong but.................
Old 06-12-2012, 08:24 PM
  #3  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
TravisMcGill2000's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: chats,ga
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Look into the crane spring kit. They be plenty for what your wanting to do. Yes run guide plates and nsa rockers. Go ahead and upgrade to 7/16 stud while your at. Youll probly gain 10 to 12 wheel running 1.7
Old 06-12-2012, 11:50 PM
  #4  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
SS MPSTR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

The geometry issues are not worth the gains IMO.
Old 06-12-2012, 11:51 PM
  #5  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
SS MPSTR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

OP, if you're dead set on doing it, I have a set of 8 I'll let go cheap. I tried running them on the exhaust side at one point, and since switched back to a full set of 1.6's.
Old 06-13-2012, 06:48 AM
  #6  
12 Second Club
iTrader: (3)
 
bufmatmuslepants's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hampstead, NC
Posts: 3,266
Received 46 Likes on 32 Posts

Default

You can still do the LT4 springs with the stock cam and 1.7 rockers, but if you ever do a cam swap you will need to change springs again. Ive never done springs myself but Ive heard its a PITA to do with the heads still on the motor.
Old 06-13-2012, 07:03 AM
  #7  
LT1
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
LT1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: NorCal
Posts: 1,619
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by 9D4Z28
what exact kind of and brand 1.7 rockers should i get?
what springs should i get to accommodate the 1.7s?
do i need guide plates? if yes what kind?

Posted from LS1Tech.com App for Android
As mentioned only need guide plates if its "NSA" rockers. Dont run guide plates if its "SA" rockers or youll run risk of metal flakes all over.


Originally Posted by bufmatmuslepants
Ive never done springs myself but Ive heard its a PITA to do with the heads still on the motor.
Just have to make sure piston is at TDC, then reposition the crank as you do springs on other cylinders.
Old 06-13-2012, 07:24 AM
  #8  
12 Second Club
iTrader: (3)
 
bufmatmuslepants's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hampstead, NC
Posts: 3,266
Received 46 Likes on 32 Posts

Default

If I was going to buy a set of 1.7 rockers today they would be Scorpion 1.7 NSA 7/16 stud, and use these springs

http://pitstopusa.com/i-5072990-howa...d-878-i-d.html
Old 06-13-2012, 07:30 AM
  #9  
TECH Apprentice
Thread Starter
 
9D4Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Stow Ohio
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by SS MPSTR
OP, if you're dead set on doing it, I have a set of 8 I'll let go cheap. I tried running them on the exhaust side at one point, and since switched back to a full set of 1.6's.
what kind are they? and how much do you want for them?


Posted from LS1Tech.com App for Android
Old 06-13-2012, 07:31 AM
  #10  
TECH Apprentice
Thread Starter
 
9D4Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Stow Ohio
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by bufmatmuslepants
If I was going to buy a set of 1.7 rockers today they would be Scorpion 1.7 NSA 7/16 stud, and use these springs

http://pitstopusa.com/i-5072990-howa...d-878-i-d.html
why would u use not self aligning?
is it worth me doing 1.7s or should i just stick to 1.6s


Posted from LS1Tech.com App for Android
Old 06-13-2012, 07:43 AM
  #11  
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
RamAir95TA's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 9,467
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts

Default

NSA rockers are far more stable throughout the RPM range than their SA counterparts. While SA rockers would be fine for what you're doing with the marginal increased cost of guideplates and hardened pushrods it's always worth it to go to NSA.
Old 06-13-2012, 07:44 AM
  #12  
12 Second Club
iTrader: (3)
 
bufmatmuslepants's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hampstead, NC
Posts: 3,266
Received 46 Likes on 32 Posts

Default

NSA because of too many horror stories of SA rockers walking, its just very cheap insurance. SA rockers are not recommended to be spun past around 6200rpm which is fine for a stock cam or a Hotcam, but not much else, and I posted those parts assuming in the future you will do a cam swap.
Old 06-13-2012, 09:21 AM
  #13  
TECH Apprentice
Thread Starter
 
9D4Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Stow Ohio
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

[quote=9D4Z28] Quote:

Originally Posted by bufmatmuslepants

If I was going to buy a set of 1.7 rockers today they would be Scorpion 1.7 NSA 7/16 stud, and use these springs

http://pitstopusa.com/i-5072990-howa...d-878-i-d.html

ill prob go with the 1.7 nsa 7/16 stud scorpion set up you recommended and the springs you recommended. thanks.

is there anything else i should know? wont be any fiment problems with valve covers right?





Posted from LS1Tech.com App for Android
Old 06-13-2012, 11:56 AM
  #14  
TECH Fanatic
 
lt1-xjs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: centerville, ohio
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts

Default

I have over 4 years on 1.7's without issue, my setup is;
26918 Comp beehives
787-16 Comp retainers
stock locks and seats
Trickflow 7.2 chromoly pushrods
Trickflow TFS-30400623-8 guide plates
ARP 134-7103 studs
Scorpion 1026 rockers
The only issue was on installation the pushrod was very close to the bottom of the U. I used a die grinder to deepen it .060" or so. Just the swap from 1.6 Promags to 1.7's gained me 10 rwhp on the dyno. At the track from a best of12.97 to my current fluke of 12.82 et. It also raises the stock cam power band quite a bit. It leveled off around 6200 rpm on the dyno.
I run the tall Proform 141-131 covers-no baffles, with the alt in the stock location.
Old 06-13-2012, 02:12 PM
  #15  
TECH Apprentice
Thread Starter
 
9D4Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Stow Ohio
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by lt1-xjs
I have over 4 years on 1.7's without issue, my setup is;
26918 Comp beehives
787-16 Comp retainers
stock locks and seats
Trickflow 7.2 chromoly pushrods
Trickflow TFS-30400623-8 guide plates
ARP 134-7103 studs
Scorpion 1026 rockers
The only issue was on installation the pushrod was very close to the bottom of the U. I used a die grinder to deepen it .060" or so. Just the swap from 1.6 Promags to 1.7's gained me 10 rwhp on the dyno. At the track from a best of12.97 to my current fluke of 12.82 et. It also raises the stock cam power band quite a bit. It leveled off around 6200 rpm on the dyno.
I run the tall Proform 141-131 covers-no baffles, with the alt in the stock location.
hey thanks alot for all that info! that helped alot!
ok so if i use the same bee hive springs as you, guide plates, and scorpion rockers i should be all set ? also are your rockers nsa? oh and will i neef taller valve covers?


Posted from LS1Tech.com App for Android
Old 06-14-2012, 12:17 AM
  #16  
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (8)
 
gregrob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: 6,000+ feet
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts

Default

In my experience Scorpions are J U N K....

I'm running Comp Hi Tech SS Ultra Pro Mags 1.7 ratio on both sides.

I have no geometry issues with trick flow guide plates, trick flow dual springs, and Manton 5/16 .118 wall push rods..
Old 06-14-2012, 02:09 AM
  #17  
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (28)
 
whytryz28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

Scorpions like MSD, hit and miss with their products, I've heard as much bad as I have good about them.

Comp is still superior though like greg mentioned.
Old 06-14-2012, 09:10 PM
  #18  
TECH Fanatic
 
lt1-xjs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: centerville, ohio
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by gregrob
In my experience Scorpions are J U N K....

I'm running Comp Hi Tech SS Ultra Pro Mags 1.7 ratio on both sides.

I have no geometry issues with trick flow guide plates, trick flow dual springs, and Manton 5/16 .118 wall push rods..
There has never been an issue with the race series.
Old 06-16-2012, 07:13 AM
  #19  
TECH Apprentice
Thread Starter
 
9D4Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Stow Ohio
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by DVS LT1
Its been a while since I looked at this, and I've had a few on a sunny patio today, but don't the stock LT1 heads accommodate a 3/8 stud? How do you upgrade to a 7/16 unless the head is setup for that?

I recall the LT4 heads taking rocker studs that were 7/16 at the bottom (fastened to the head) but were 3/8 at the top of the rocker - to accommodate 3/8 rockers. Or was it the opposite. Maybe I shouldn't be saying anything...

I agree that a 1.7 ratio is opening up a can of worms in terms of sacrificing valve train stability vs whatever gains you could hop to reap. Unless you are talking about a very expensive and sturdy shaft mount 1.7 rocker like for a solid roller setup. Whatever you do (1.6 or 1.7) don't cheap out. Go NSA, 7/16, and there's plenty of evidence that favours steel over the lighter weight aluminum models...
ok not im thinking i should just go 1.6s. what would u guys go?
also what are the pros and cons of aluminum versus steel?


Posted from LS1Tech.com App for Android
Old 06-16-2012, 09:16 AM
  #20  
TECH Regular
iTrader: (2)
 
rich5368's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Cheyenne, WY
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

I tried scorpion rockers once and hated them. They made a ton of noise and just didn't fit right. They will however fit under your stock valve covers if you go with them. As gregrob was saying Comp hi tech FTW


Quick Reply: 1.7 rocker questions



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:35 PM.