NSA or SA rockers??
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Teching In
Joined: Nov 2006
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NSA or SA rockers?? I've got most bolt ons and am planning on doing a 1.6RR upgrade. My question is if I should go non-self aligning or self aligning? I've heard that with high lift cams you should go NSA. I do not plan on doing a cam for a long time and if I do, it probably won't be a very aggressive cam. Also, what is the significance of the different stud sizes and which is better? Thanks.
NSA rockers are cheaper, but require guideplates and hardened pushrods. I don't know if there are any actual functional advantages. As far as the studs, 3/8 will be fine if you stay near stock. If there is any chance that you will ever go to a big cam and heavy valve springs you should upgrade to 7/16 now. If not, you will have to replace the rockers later.
you are ok with the self aligning rockers for now unless you plan on going into the 6500 range on a high horsepower setup. even with a not so agressive cam, if you are putting out 400+ hp you want to go with non self aligning rockers for proper valvetrain geometry, the self aligning rockers will pop off the stud and break springs, studs, etc.
Originally Posted by 95FbFormula
To use guide plates at least the gm ones you have to upgrade to 7/16 studs.
SA also require -.050 locks on most aftermarket valves... for tip clearance. Most aftermarket valves (Manley for sure) have .250 tip, and with the SA rockers you'll need to use a -.050 lock to gain needed rocker to retainer clearance at the tip. This may affect geometry and choice of springs/amount of machining needed.
FWIW, with Crane Gold Pro Magnum 1.6 RRs SA, -.050 locks, Patriot Gold dual springs (yup, you can get them for LT1), Manley RaceFlo valves, and XFI 282 cam, I have about 170 seat and 310 open pressures (7/16 would be a good idea) and about .110 before coil bind. This is with seats NOT cut for clearance; another option was to cut seats and use a less serious spring. With the Manley RaceFlo valves, or any other valve with .250 tip, you still need the -.050 locks, but byy cutting seats you can reduce spring pressures.
FWIW, with Crane Gold Pro Magnum 1.6 RRs SA, -.050 locks, Patriot Gold dual springs (yup, you can get them for LT1), Manley RaceFlo valves, and XFI 282 cam, I have about 170 seat and 310 open pressures (7/16 would be a good idea) and about .110 before coil bind. This is with seats NOT cut for clearance; another option was to cut seats and use a less serious spring. With the Manley RaceFlo valves, or any other valve with .250 tip, you still need the -.050 locks, but byy cutting seats you can reduce spring pressures.
