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.

 

Wow, I was about to post the same thing. I'm guessing you have to pull the intake if you were to put in NSA. Also what is factory?

 

What would NSA to SA rockers have to do with pulling the manifold.

 

If your goals for the car are fairly conservative, then self-aligning rockers with the stock 3/8" studs will do the job. I know some people will say, 'put in all the good stuff now, so you won't have to re-do it later," but the self-aligning rockers and stock studs do pretty well, depending on how radical a cam you will use down the road.

The NSA rockers will require the installation of pushrod guideplates and you will have to replace all your pushrods with hardened ones. This equipment handles very high revs better than the stock stuff.

The reason for 7/16" studs is that they are larger in diameter and stiffer, for more consistent and reliable valve train operation at very high revs or with very high spring pressures.

This is all good hardware, of course, but maybe overkill for an engine with a "not very agressive" cam.

 

+3241342124214

 

For your current goals, a set of 3/8 stud SA rockers should be fine. Even if you upgrade to a very mild cam, those rockers will still tolerate it. I would probably consider upgrading the valve springs though while you are at it.

 

Do you have to pull the manifold to install NSA rockers? I have never heard that before.

 

Nope.

 

Awesome, thanks for clearing that up for me.