I am planning on installing some roller rockers this winter, but do not know a lot of details about valve trains and could use some advice.

First off, I have read a lot of good things about the Pro Mag 1.6 RRs and am thinking that I will go with these. However, I have also read about people using Scoprion 1.7RRs and liking them a lot. What would be the DISADVANTAGES of going with these over 1.6 RRs? I am really curious about this. I do plan on going with a mild cam way down the road (several years from now) incase that plays into your reasoning.

Also, what size and style RR would I need? (7/16" stud mounted, correct??) Would I need retainers or anything else to put in RRs? (if so, what kind would you recommend, and what size if applicable). I also want to install stronger pushrods while I am in there. What brand would you all recommend and what diameter and length would I need with the 1.6RRs and 1.7RRs? (I believe I read a 7.2" length with the 1.6RRs). Finally, is there anything else that I would need to install RRs or anything else I may want to upgrade while I am in there?

Thanks a lot guys. I am sorry if this stuff was already posted - I did search many times and was unable to find a lot of this. I really appreciate the help!

 

Oops, I forgot to mention springs. I know that I am going to need new springs as well. What are everyone's recommendations here as well.

Thanks again everyone!

 

The 3/8 factory studs will work if ya don't have high spring pressure(500+) the Scorpion set will work depending on pressure and the price is a savings. Ya will need GM guide plates and if ya haven't changed the valves the stock pushrods will work if it's a '94 up.
Go with beehive,springs,retainers and keepers.

 

As far as the Scorpion 1.7s, why don't more people go with a 1.7 RR? What is the reason that so many choose 1.6? I haven't changed the valves so I will need guide plates then. So are you saying that I shouldn't really worry about upgrading my pushrods unless they are bent?

 

RRs as compared to stock stamped rockers make for a better valve train. Self Aligning RRs have side guides on the roller tips which keep the tips on the valve stems (assuming that your adjustments are good). Non-self aligning RRs require guides which keep the pushrods in line and the tips of the rollers on the valve stems. Non-Self Aligning RRs tend to be slightly less noisey and perhaps less likely to have the roller tips move off the the valve stems (i.e, less sensitive to too little preset). Non-self aligning RRs do require hardended push rods since the quides can wear away at a softer pushrod as the pushrod rubs against the quide plates. Stock length rods (7.2s) will in mosts cases give you the correct geometry (the angle the tips contact the valve stems. Going to 1.6 rockers will provide more lifting of the valves which is especially beneficial for the exhaust side which is the more restrictive side.
You can go higher on the lift with 1.7s, however I doubst that you would be gaining much and it might require different specs on the rods, etc to maintain good geometry (don't know about this).

You are definitely advised to go with stronger springs to accommodate the higher lift without floating or binding the springs. Your spring choice can be a single spring if you don't plan on going with a cam for awhile (mainly because you should go with the spring recommended by the Cam Manufacturer.

BTW, I have some REV springs that will accommodate 350 lift and use stock retainers if you decide to go that way.
If you know what cam you intend to buy later on, I advise gettinng the correct springs now rather than have to do it again.

I personally would advise sticking with the 1.6s and some that will fit easily under your valve covers.JMHO

 

1.7 in most cases give ya to much lift with an aftermarket cam with the stock valves and cause coil bind in the springs. Ya have to figure it out to see. Wouldn't worry about the pushrods and the guide plates can only be GM. Others don't work.

 

Thanks, that was a lot of good info.

Okay so 1.6 RRs it is. Would Pro Mags be a wise choice or would you recommend something else? I believe that these would not be self aligning, so what would be a quality hardened pushrod to upgrade to? As far as what cam I would be going with later, my guess is something similar to the Hot Cam. I really don't want an overly aggressive cam. What kind of springs would be best with this in mind?

 

Might as well get the springs that the Hot Cam kit comes with as far as cost. Might as well get the push rods from the same place and vendor you get the RRs from. When you get all the crap from the same vendor, e.g. Summit, you just pay the one handling fee and that's that, plus you get some good advice and information when you call them for the order which helps you in your deciscion. BTW, it is still a good idea to ask opionions on this board when you initially decide what you are going to get before you do asdthe actual ordering. JMHO

 

Your stock pushrods will be fine,they are hardened '94 up.
If ya are getting the hot cam get the GM springs with it. If not go with the Comp beehive springs.

 

Looking through summit, i noticed that they sell the HotCam kit with 1.6RRs, springs, hot cam, and some misc parts all for $530. I am thinking about just doing this. How to the RRs and springs in this kit compare to the pro mags and a nice set of springs? any idea?

 

OK there has been alot of debate over this but as far as injuneer said I thought that 93 to 95 had hardened pushrods and the rest did not. Nayone want to chime in on this?

 

PS I got the Scorpion 1.7 RR NSA Gm guideplates LT4 springs and I thought my pushrods where hardened. The only other thing I need to get is some better rocker studs, i figure if your gonna do it do it right the first time. I bought most everything from the CamaroSS classifieds my rockers and everything where new you may want to take a look there I have had nothing but good experinces here.

 

I broke a stock rocker arm and came extremely close to ruining a motor on my 306. Any full roller rocker is probably fine.

I have the crane golds. They are Aluminum and pretty.

 

For a little more money, you could go with the Jesel SS series. I recently upgraded to them from Comp Cams Aluminum RR's, and they are worth every penny. No more studs, no more stud girdle, no more guide plates. Valvetrain stability is drastically increased, and also got much quieter. I will never go back to a stud mounted rocker arm after owning shaft mounts.



Nick

 

Do 97's have hardened pushrods?