94Z28LS1toLT1

Hey guys I was wondering if i should get roller rockers,i currently have the stock rocker arms. My camaro is a 94 LT1 m6,long tubes pace setter headers,camshaft is a bit bigger than stock,410 gears,tb bypass,kn cold air intake,bbk throttle body,ngk spark plug wires,8.5 msd spark plug wires,bbk shocks,eibach suspension,Hurst shifter,stock fuel injectors,ported heads n intake manifold.

I apologize for the long signature but just wondering if I should swap the rockers or if it would make a difference,it's a daily driver usually n like to punch the gas on in awhile

Injuneer

With your ported heads, assuming they are well done, the additional lift/flow generated by 1.6X full roller rockers, vs. the 1.5X ball-pivot stockers (if that’s what you still have) would seem like a good idea. What are the specs on the cam? Did you change the valve springs? You don't want more lift than the springs can handle.

94Z28LS1toLT1

yes it's the pivot stockers,on the cam that's the problem the previous owner had the specs on a receipt when he sold me the camaro in 2013,i got a hold of him all he told me was a it was a bit bigger than stock,the springs in the heads are new stock ones I got in 2015.

Injuneer

I think the lift limit (coil bind) on the stock springs is about 0.500-0.510”. Even with a "small" cam and 1.6X rockers, you could be pushing the limits.

94Z28LS1toLT1

Hey Fred, so should I upgrade the springs then,or just stay with the stock rocker arms.

Injuneer

Without knowing the cam lift, it’s hard to answer that question. W/ a 0.500” spring limit, and 1.6X rockers, you are limited to 0.312” lobe lift. The mildest Comp Cams will put you over that. To swap to the 1.6X you would very likely need new springs (0.600” max), and then have to check the pushrod geometry to see if the stock pushrods are OK. I guess you could try and measure lobe lift with a dial indicator, but not sure how accurate that would be with a hydraulic lifter.

The alternative could be to use a 1.5X or 1.52X roller rocker, but there is no significant benefit in that small change. The advantages of a roller rocker over the ball-pivot (staying at 1.5X) are 1) reduced friction at the fulcrum, which may drop your oil temp a few degrees, and maybe net a HP or two, at most; 2) reduced side loading on valve guides with the roller tip; 3) generally a more precise and consistent ratio. But that isn't worth it on a daily driver with your specs.

Chimera96

OP

1:6 RR over stamped 1:5 rockers would certainly be a benefit in itself....but as has been noted the increased lift will exceed the "stock" springs spec if in fact that is what was re-installed in the engine by P.O. with the increased lift of the aftermarket cam you have

The Crane 10308-1 spring kit would be a spring that would be a good upgrade and allow the use of 1:6 RR. There are also other spring brands

Crane Cams 10308-1: Valve Spring & Retainer Kit 1992-99 Chevy LT1 | JEGS

There are other considerations when going to a RR.

NSA vs SA:

stock rockers are SA (self aligning) and you can buy SA RR. For motors that will see RPM's above 5800 many consider NSA (non self aligning. NSA RR require guide plates and the use of hardened PR

Then there is going with 7/16" RR vs the stock 3/8" size which require a 7/16" RR stud. Easily available by ARP and easy to change when doing RR. There are specific RR studs for guide plate use though

IIRC SA RR only come in stock 3/8" where NSA come in both sizes

A SA RR will have either tabs as part of the rocker tip body or washers at the end of the roller tip to keep the RR on the valve tip. NSA do not as the guide plate keeps the PR aligned

If you were making no more valve train or cam mods to the motor with a small cam SA are fine

The increased lift provided by a 1:6 RR and a better spring will allow the motor to rev higher with more stability against valve float with a better spec spring than stock ones. Let alone allow the lift of a 1:6 RR without coil bind

94Z28LS1toLT1

Hey Fred and chimera thank you sir for the information and time,I'll probably swap camshaft out in future to get the exact specs,so we can see what we can do. I appreciate it again