Im thinking about doing 1.6 rockers on my car. My question is that is this a difficult intalation? I would imagine you would have to lower the sub frame to get the valve covers off. Could someone give me a general overview of this process. Also, would I have to do anything elese to the valve train like springs, pushrods, etc?

 

Running a search will yield TONS of responses to this very question, but I'll try to help some...


You don't have to drop the engine or sub frame to get the valve covers off the car, they come out easily.

You'll need the rockers, hardened pushrods (if you don't already have them as some F-bodies came with them), new valve springs that will handle the lift you're going to run.. I would recomment a spring good to .600 lift, that should cover you for most cams on the market. With the springs, you'll need spring seats, retainers, locks, and while you're there you might as well replace the valve seals too.

Tools required will include a valve spring compressor, various sockets, pliers (I assume), compressed air will help (with the fittings to thread into the head to hold the valves up), a valve spring installed height tool also.

 

Wow, thats more involved than I thought. Thanks for the reply.

 

Doubt that you will need hardened rods unless you are getting non-self aligning rockers.JMHO

 

If you choose to go with non-self aligning rockers remember to
use the GMPP guideplates. This has also been discussed extensively.

PN 14011051

The description says "14011051 Pushrod Guideplate
This hardened steel guideplate is used with aluminum Bow Tie
V6/90º cylinder heads with screw-in rocker arm studs." But these
are the correct guideplates for the LT1.

 

If your putting them on a stock car meaning no internal work done, you will not need new springs and things. It is recommended to use new pushrods though but not a true necessity.

 

I didn't realize the stock springs would handle the added lift of the 1.6 rockers on the stock cam.

 

I did it and had no problems at all.

 

It is a chance most people don't want to take. Better to upgrade than suffer any consequences later. IMO, I would not want to put more stress on old springs.

 

that in itself is true; each person's motor has been subjected to it's own type of abuse, If you are unsure of the condition of your motor, then disregard my post. I was well aware of the condition of mine since I knew the first owner and the very miniscual increment in lift made my decision easier to live with.

 

I would recommend at least getting the LT4 springs, retainers, and seats.(about $56 total) That way you can rev a little higher without worry of valve float from weak stock springs and 1.6 RR's

Dan

 

I definately recommend the LT4 springs as a minimum. If you have
a GM connection you can get them for $35. Why take a chance.

 

you should be able to reuse all the seats and locks though right?

 

If your budget is real tight you can just replace the springs with
the LT4s. The retainers, locks and seats are reasonably priced if
you want to change them. The stock seats are fine. The LT4
retainers may be a little lighter than the stockers. If you decide
to change the seats you will have to remove the valve stem seals
and should probably replace them too. It all depends on your
budget.