What caused this?
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 2
From: Spring Hill, FL
What caused this? 
Rocker is a little chewed up looking, but didn't notice really anything wrong with the retainer or valve tip. Not all of the rockers were marked up like this, but I'd say about half of them. This is on a 5k motor that had the hotcam setup installed.
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2008
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That problem right there is because you are not using guide plates. Aluminum heads require ARP extra long rocker studs and guide plates, or that is what happens. You are actually lucky, it could have been MUCH worse.
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2008
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SA rockers kind of suck. I would never use them on any of my engines. Just not enough stability at higher R's.... I wouldnt BS ya.
Good write up on SA RRockers VS Standard RRockers w/ Guides
Good write up on SA RRockers VS Standard RRockers w/ Guides
Why do you need extra long rocker studs? Also why do you need guide plates if its a self aligning rocker? Alot of people use S/A rockers. Yea they can break...but isnt that every part on a car? If aluminum heads require this or that, why does GM use a stamped steel S/A rocker and a standard length stud? Every post I see you make is a bunch of crap....
TECH Senior Member
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From: Decatur, TN (N-W of Athens)
What about on a stock motor that would only spin 6100? I don't have any plans to do any motor upgrades, but if they'd handle fine for a stock motor then it might be something I'd look into down the line. Main reason is budget. SA-RRs cost substantially less vs NA-RR since you'll need, at the very least, guide plates.
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TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Decatur, TN (N-W of Athens)
Why do you need extra long rocker studs? Also why do you need guide plates if its a self aligning rocker? Alot of people use S/A rockers. Yea they can break...but isnt that every part on a car? If aluminum heads require this or that, why does GM use a stamped steel S/A rocker and a standard length stud? Every post I see you make is a bunch of crap....
I was under the impression he was talking about non-aligning (standard) rockers needing guide plates (which we all know), and them being more reliable vs SA rockers. As for using longer studs, he may just like the peace of mind of knowing they are threaded on more than is needed to save backing out and either falling off or breaking (just an assumption on my part).
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Verdad Gallardo Well, one of us mis-read his post...
I was under the impression he was talking about non-aligning (standard) rockers needing guide plates (which we all know), and them being more reliable vs SA rockers. As for using longer studs, he may just like the peace of mind of knowing they are threaded on more than is needed to save backing out and either falling off or breaking (just an assumption on my part).
I was under the impression he was talking about non-aligning (standard) rockers needing guide plates (which we all know), and them being more reliable vs SA rockers. As for using longer studs, he may just like the peace of mind of knowing they are threaded on more than is needed to save backing out and either falling off or breaking (just an assumption on my part).
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 146
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Why do you need extra long rocker studs? Also why do you need guide plates if its a self aligning rocker? Alot of people use S/A rockers. Yea they can break...but isnt that every part on a car? If aluminum heads require this or that, why does GM use a stamped steel S/A rocker and a standard length stud? Every post I see you make is a bunch of crap....
Hey guy I have a few hundred sucessfull roller rocker arm installations under my belt. I have installed just about every kind and really the SA rockers kinda suck.
No you cant use guide plates with SA rockers, and the SA rockers cost more to buy than a standard set with all the proper hardware.
The OP's problem could have also been from improperly adjusted rockers also, but I dont like the design of the SA rocker. Too much wear on the stem of the valve and too little stability of the valve train.
You can tell this guy Schweet97Z overpaid for a set of SA rocker arms! LOL Chill out dude, read the information in the link. You dont have to be a ***** to get some info.
Look at this guy... LOL He doesnt even know what he is talking about yet he is going to say I am full of crap... LOL
Hey guy I have a few hundred sucessfull roller rocker arm installations under my belt. I have installed just about every kind and really the SA rockers kinda suck.
No you cant use guide plates with SA rockers, and the SA rockers cost more to buy than a standard set with all the proper hardware.
The OP's problem could have also been from improperly adjusted rockers also, but I dont like the design of the SA rocker. Too much wear on the stem of the valve and too little stability of the valve train.
You can tell this guy Schweet97Z overpaid for a set of SA rocker arms! LOL Chill out dude, read the information in the link. You dont have to be a ***** to get some info.
Hey guy I have a few hundred sucessfull roller rocker arm installations under my belt. I have installed just about every kind and really the SA rockers kinda suck.
No you cant use guide plates with SA rockers, and the SA rockers cost more to buy than a standard set with all the proper hardware.
The OP's problem could have also been from improperly adjusted rockers also, but I dont like the design of the SA rocker. Too much wear on the stem of the valve and too little stability of the valve train.
You can tell this guy Schweet97Z overpaid for a set of SA rocker arms! LOL Chill out dude, read the information in the link. You dont have to be a ***** to get some info.
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 146
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Well im not going to get into an internet battle with you. For the record im running a NSA Rocker and Guide Plate on my car. However ive already made my judgement of your knowledge, and ill let the rest do the same. BTW everything in my statement before this is true, if your calling bluff, then do alittle research yourself and go back to just installing rocker arms......
Why do you need extra long rocker studs? Also why do you need guide plates if its a self aligning rocker? Alot of people use S/A rockers. Yea they can break...but isnt that every part on a car? If aluminum heads require this or that, why does GM use a stamped steel S/A rocker and a standard length stud? Every post I see you make is a bunch of crap....
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 2
From: Spring Hill, FL
Well I'm not sure bout the whole SA rockers suck deal, I pulled the Promags out of my old motor that are going on this motor, and I pounded the **** outta them for 25k, no issues.
Merv are these stock pushrods in this motor? I'm taking the motor Friday to someone that has the tools to swap the valvesprings for the Crane's I'm going to have put on, and have the promags installed on this motor. The motor that I'm taking out of the car though will make its way to the truck.
From the looks of that rocker, could I use it on my other motor? I have comp springs on the other motor, forgot which ones, but the diameter of the spring looks like its slightly smaller. Roller tip part seems to still roll fine.
The valve tip just looks flat across?
I'd heard about how SA aren't good for high revs, but its a hotcam motor, its not spinning past 6500rpm, nothing very high by any means. Perhaps Merv can share how high he was spinning it, but I doubt it was very high.
Merv are these stock pushrods in this motor? I'm taking the motor Friday to someone that has the tools to swap the valvesprings for the Crane's I'm going to have put on, and have the promags installed on this motor. The motor that I'm taking out of the car though will make its way to the truck.
From the looks of that rocker, could I use it on my other motor? I have comp springs on the other motor, forgot which ones, but the diameter of the spring looks like its slightly smaller. Roller tip part seems to still roll fine.
The valve tip just looks flat across?
I'd heard about how SA aren't good for high revs, but its a hotcam motor, its not spinning past 6500rpm, nothing very high by any means. Perhaps Merv can share how high he was spinning it, but I doubt it was very high.
Yes they are stock Push Rods. The Heads have been milled about .006, I used the Felpro #1074 Head Gaskets. I spun it to 6100, that is where the Shift Point was set.
I wish I could see the pics..
Most people click "back" instead of making a post..that is a good one though..
I wish I could see the pics..
Most people click "back" instead of making a post..that is a good one though..
