Getiing ready for cam install and going to purchase some 1.6rr's. I've been shopping around and noticed a large price diff between regular sbc and "center bolt valve cover" ones. I was under the impression that regular ones would work on the LT1 heads??? What is everyone running on there's?

 

I'm no expert, but I know you need the ones that are self-aligning unless you want to do some more work to it- you have to install guideplates or something if you want non-self aligning.

And you should get steel ones, not aluminum. Aluminum may be lighter but it's only really good in races because they flex too much and have to be checked and replaced often.

As far as the whole center-bolt valve cover thing, it's probably referring to self-aligning or non self-aligning, I think all rockers in modern engines are self-aligning now.

 

Self Aligning rockers are a good idea unless you want to run guideplates too. Most times 7/16 studs are a better bet and there are no self aligning rockers in that size so the GM Bowtie guideplates are the thing to use there.


As for if all rockers are equal? Nope, On a scale of quality I would say, aluminum, steel (al la Pro Magnums) and then stainless (al la Hi Tech) is the order. The reason being is the deflection resistence increases as you go to better materials and designs. The Hi Tech rockers from Comp have the highest deflection I have ever seen in a stud mounted rocker. Deflection basically robs you of lift when the motor is running, and not just at max lift but the whole opening of the valve.

As far as weight goes..... The Pro Mags are acutally lighter than most Aluminum rockers and strogner to boot, they are a great choice for most HR cam setups. Not the best on a SR, where a Hi Tech or shaft mount will work better.

Bret